Populari: Political Romance Between BiH and Turkey Does Not Yield Significant Results

Deeply rooted in mutual historical and cultural ties, the bilateral relations between Turkey and BiH over the past several decades have grown into a romanticized and emotional, not only friendly but also brotherly connection, but on the economic front they have not yielded results, claims the organization „Populari“ in a report on BiH-Turkey relations, reports the Bosnian news agency Patria (NAP).

In its latest report, the think tank organization Populari, supported by the Balkan Trust for Democracy, the German Marshall Fund of the United States, raises the question of whether there is more than a political flirtation in these relations.

- Given the growing political and economic significance of Turkey on the global and regional stage, developing good cooperation between BiH and such a powerful friend definitely deserves special attention – they state in the report.

But according to Populari's report, titled: “Political Romance: Relations between Turkey and BiH”, the ties often presented as idyllic by politicians of both countries have in reality not produced significant results.

Focusing on the cultural, political, and economic aspects of these relations, Populari's analysis shows that, contrary to claims by Turkish officials that they cooperate equally with all citizens in BiH, their activities are significantly more present in the Federation of BiH, and more pronounced in cooperation with Bosniaks.

- Despite this uneven approach, all BiH politicians welcome numerous Turkish investments in the restoration of Ottoman cultural heritage. Judging by their frequent statements, they have been particularly interested for more than a decade in strengthening economic ties through improving trade exchange and increasing Turkish investments in BiH - and it is precisely in this segment that the greatest gap between rhetoric and practice exists - Populari highlights in its analysis.

Excluding donations, Turkey was only in 9th place in terms of total investment volume in BiH between 1994 and 2012, behind Switzerland or the Netherlands, which do not invoke special ties with BiH.

- This proves that in the economy and generally in the business world, history, love, and friendship do not play a special role, even when it comes to a friendly country like Turkey. Instead of relying on brotherhood and waiting for Turkey to make the first move, BiH needs to develop a clear and modern foreign policy framework, begin taking active measures to improve the business climate, and set clear priorities that will benefit the BiH economy - Populari concludes in its report, as reported by NAP.