Smajić: Bosniaks in Albania need better understanding of BiH

(Patria) - Delegate in the House of Peoples of the BiH Parliament Džemal Smajić (SBiH) visited Bosniaks in Albania. On that occasion, he spoke with the president of the "Zambak" Association and former honorary consul of BiH Fikret Klarić.

During the conversation, Smajić emphasized that he became convinced of the strong connection of the diaspora with their homeland, but also of the justified dissatisfaction with the attitude of the competent BiH institutions towards Bosniaks in Albania.

He particularly highlighted the worrying fact that Klarić's mandate as honorary consul has not been renewed, despite previous promises from the BiH Ministry of Foreign Affairs and member of the BiH Presidency Denis Bećirović, even though it expired three years ago.

At the same time, as he stated, the issue of dual citizenship for Bosniaks in Albania, as well as their institutional connection with their mother country, remain unresolved, with no visible concrete steps from the competent institutions.

- It is evident that Bosniaks in Albania represent a valuable, organized, and successful community. Among them are a large number of respected and accomplished businessmen who want to cooperate with BiH businessmen.

It is important to emphasize that they are not seeking financial assistance, but institutional understanding and respect. Therefore, it is time for BiH institutions to recognize the real significance of the diaspora in Albania and engage in concrete action - said Smajić.

As a delegate in the House of Peoples, he announced that he will continue to insist on resolving these issues through parliamentary and institutional mechanisms.