PM reiterates importance of ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterating the importance Pakistan attached to its historically close and fraternal ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina, reaffirmed his desire to elevate these relations into a robust, broad-based partnership anchored in trade and economic cooperation.

The prime minister, in a meeting with Chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Dr Denis Becirovic on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, stressed that regional stability depended on a strong, stable and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, economic, defence, skilled labour mobility, education and cultural spheres, and held a frank exchange of views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Congratulating Dr Becirovic on the formal opening of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession talks, the prime minister said that Pakistan viewed the country as a potential regional trade and connectivity hub for Pakistani goods entering European and Western Balkan markets.

Dr Becirovic praised Pakistan’s mediation role in facilitating de-escalation and normalisation in West Asia and the Gulf region, and fully supported Pakistan’s position on the illegality of holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.

The two leaders agreed to remain in contact to work together for the further advancement of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, including through exchange of high-level visits between the two countries in the time ahead.