SARAJEVO, FEBRUARY 2 (ONASA) – BiH Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Staša Košarac received BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konaković in Sarajevo today, with whom he discussed the issue of the construction of a repository for radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel on Trgovska Gora.
Ministers Košarac and Konaković jointly assessed that in the previous mandate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH through the diplomatic-consular network was not in the function of the official policies of the competent institutions at all levels of government in BiH when it comes to the issue in question.
Taking into account the unique position on the unacceptability of Croatia’s intention to build a disputed landfill in the immediate vicinity of the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the conclusions of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the interlocutors expressed their determination to work on this issue, together with the competent institutions at all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina. .
In this regard, it was emphasized that in the coming period, the focus of joint activities will be to appeal to all relevant international institutions, as well as the official authorities in Croatia and Slovenia, about a unique position from Bosnia and Herzegovina when it comes to Trgovska gora.
“It is a good and encouraging message that the two ministries, in cooperation with entity institutions and appointed working bodies, will promote BiH’s policies and interests in the case of Trgovska Gora on the international level. We will not give up, because our primary goal is to protect the health of our citizens and preserve the environment,” Minister Košarac said.
The interlocutors stated that it is of crucial importance that, on the basis of good bilateral relations, Croatia and Slovenia reach an agreement and make a decision about the fact that Trgovska gora is not an adequate location for the construction of a landfill.
Ministers Košarac and Konaković also exchanged opinions on European integration as the primary foreign policy goal of BiH. An agreement was reached for the two ministries to sign an agreement on the basis of which it will be possible for the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH to have its representative in the Mission of BiH in Brussels.
“This issue is important to us, because the Ministry I lead has a significant role and visibility in taking over certain European directives and processes concerning EU membership, especially considering the candidate status for BiH,” said Minister Košarac.
The interlocutors also referred to the application of the Stabilization and Association Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU, with a focus on existing open issues in the context of the protection of domestic production.
“It is necessary that through the analysis of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, in cooperation with the EU Delegation, we discuss and work together on the adoption of certain measures that would mean further progress on the European path, but also enable us to protect domestic production,” said the minister. Basketball player.
The topic of today’s meeting was also strategic projects in the field of energy and preventing blockages in their implementation.
The meeting discussed further strengthening and improvement of economic relations in the region, where it was concluded that any institutional and regional form of cooperation is beneficial for businessmen from the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I believe that ‘Open Balkans’ is an excellent opportunity for domestic businessmen. Unfortunately, BiH’s membership in this regional initiative is still in the domain of political prejudices, but I am convinced that through certain analyzes we will determine the advantages that our economy can have from this initiative and that we will not fall behind in regional forms of cooperation,” Minister Košarac said.
Ministers Košarac and Konaković reached an agreement on the joint activities of the ministries to affirm and promote the values and positive results of the business community in the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of BiH. (end)