Slovakia and Bosnia-Herzegovina Want to Expand Diplomatic Representations

Bratislava, 21 October (TASR) - Slovakia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are planning to expand their diplomatic representations, with Slovakia intending to open an honorary consulate in Banja Luka, while Bosnia and Herzegovina is preparing to set up an embassy in Bratislava, the countries' foreign ministers announced following their joint meeting in Bratislava on Tuesday, adding that the aim is to deepen bilateral relations, particularly in the economic field. "The minister and I also agreed that we'll open a honorary consulate in Banja Luka and that we'll take all the steps that are related to this. We've come quite far, and I think that we can conclude this process very quickly. This will be additional aid, the honorary consulate will also help us to identify [opportunities for] joint economic cooperation," said Slovakia's chief diplomat Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD). The Slovak foreign minister added that the process of opening an embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Bratislava is also entering its final stage. "We very much welcome this because it will strengthen our relations in economic terms. They are certainly solid, but we can intensify them," said Bosnia and Herzegovina's Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic, expressing his belief that the embassy in Bratislava will open soon. The ministers also discussed economic issues, including investment, green technologies, modern services and tourism. They highlighted the two countries' mutual support for each other's candidacies. Blanar thanked Bosnia and Herzegovina for its assistance in terms of illegal migration. He also declared further support for Slovakia in the EUFOR Althea military mission, in which dozens of Slovak soldiers are currently deployed. The head of Slovak diplomacy declared Slovakia's support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's integration into the EU. "The Slovak Republic is also ready to help with its expertise, that is advice in these negotiations," he added. Konakovic thanked him for his support. "Our economy is fully integrated into the concept of the European Union, and over 93 percent of our exports go to European Union countries, so this is something that our country desperately needs," he stated, adding that he would first welcome joining NATO, but this "idea" hasn't yet matured. am/df