President of Italy Pledges Aid to BiH

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Chairperson of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Šefik Džaferović, sent a message of solidarity and condolences to the families of numerous victims caused by the spread of the COVID 19 virus in Italy to the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella.

In his response, President Mattarella referred to the emotional photographs of the historic Sarajevo City Hall illuminated with the colors of the Italian flag, which were seen by millions of Italians and deeply touched him. According to the President of Italy, these photographs are "a bond of strong and firm friendship that unites our countries and our peoples," the Embassy of Italy in BiH announced.

"On the Italian side, President Mattarella pledged cooperation in facing the extraordinary situation of the healthcare sector and in its recovery. In this regard, Italy is organizing video conferences, together with the offices of the United Nations and the World Health Organization in Sarajevo, to exchange experiences and health protocols between Italian experts and doctors and healthcare workers of hospitals from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Next week, the Embassy of Italy in Sarajevo will deliver 200 assisted breathing masks to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, manufactured in cooperation with Italian companies operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Italian non-governmental organizations operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through funds from Italian development cooperation, have partially reoriented their projects to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 and provide assistance to families in need in the areas where they operate," it is stated.

Italy is sending two military doctors who will provide assistance to the EUFOR contingent and enable better cooperation with hospitals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim of preventing and spreading the experience gained in Italy in the fight against COVID-19.

Finally, President Mattarella took the opportunity to confirm Italy's firm support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's path towards European integration.