Turković meets Lavrov: Russia supports BiH's territorial integrity based on Dayton principles

(Patria) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov congratulated BiH Foreign Minister Bisera Turković on her birthday and wished her good health.

The meeting of the heads of diplomacy is being held on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Lavrov stated that there are no open and unresolved issues in the relations between BiH and Russia.

"We are interested in the further continuation of relations with BiH, we support the Dayton principles, and we are a guarantor state of this agreement," Lavrov said in his welcoming address.

The Russian Federation is a friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the opening of the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov, which is being held today in Sochi.

The Minister recalled that the Russian Federation was one of the first countries to recognize BiH's independence.

"This means that you are always open and understanding towards countries that need support, but also towards those whose existence is based on justice and agreement between different ethnic groups and peoples living in BiH," said Turković.

Turković also recalled the recent opening of the Russian Embassy Office in Banja Luka, expressing expectations that a cultural and humanitarian center will follow.

Lavrov said at the press conference that 25 years of cooperation is an extremely important date for these two countries.

"Our trade exchange has increased by 80% this year compared to the previous year. Today, we also touched upon economic issues and our operators in BiH. We have decided that the Russian quota for BiH citizens will be doubled because they want to study at Russian universities," said Lavrov.

The situation in the Western Balkans was also discussed.

"It is necessary to respect the principles of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which are the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of BiH, and the rights of the three constituent peoples, and the broad constitutional powers of the two entities," said Lavrov.

BiH is a sustainable country, it should be in accordance with Dayton, said Lavrov.

"External recipes in this regard are unacceptable. Russia is always ready to provide support for dialogue at the regional level. We are ready to continue our contacts that we have signed between Russia and the MFA of BiH," said Lavrov.

Minister Turković emphasized that regarding economic cooperation, attention was paid to foreign trade.

"Russia is an important energy partner for BiH. The BiH market is extremely small compared to the Russian one. We hope to find a way to increase exports from BiH to Russia, which would help the economy of the entire BiH. We count on the goodwill of the Russian side to organize an exhibition of the Charter of Ban Kulin at the National Museum of BiH next year, which confirms the centuries-long continuity of our country. Today's meeting comes at a very important moment for BiH and the Western Balkans region. I informed Minister Lavrov about my vision of the entire situation and that our citizens are increasingly frightened, especially after the conclusions adopted by the RS entity in the NSRS. The implementation of these conclusions can threaten peace and stability in BiH and the region. My position is that all issues must be resolved within the state institutions, and not through unilateral actions," said Turković.

They also discussed the status of the OHR.

"We are of the opinion that the presence of the OHR is necessary until BiH becomes functional. I am sure that a solution will be found that will satisfy both views. The Russian Federation stands firmly on the Dayton position, respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of BiH. Only on justice, truth, and dialogue can we build further relations. I am sure that Russia will respect the will of the citizens, democratic institutions, and the future we choose through these institutions. Deepening ethnic divisions and undermining the constitutional order is not the path to lasting peace and stability. We must return discussion and dialogue on reforms to BiH institutions, and that is the path we must choose," said Turković.

She added that today's meeting is a significant contribution to improving relations and supporting the stabilization of the situation in the region and BiH.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated today that the current High Representative Christian Schmidt is not legitimate for Russia, as there is no consensus among the three constituent peoples and no agreement in the UN Security Council and the PIC.

"Our position is that principled issues should be resolved by the peoples themselves in accordance with the Constitutional framework. We are always ready to provide support in implementing the peace process in BiH and stabilizing the situation, and our partners know this," he said.

He stated that BiH is under the protectorate of the so-called OHR.