Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto, discussed in Sarajevo with the Ambassador of Japan to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Masami Kinefuchi, the improvement of bilateral cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and of experiences in the field of culture and science.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan are good, friendly and without open questions. It was concluded that over the 27 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, cooperation has constantly improved.
Krišto thanked the Government of Japan for its development assistance, which has supported the reform process in Bosnia and Herzegovina for many years through numerous programs. She also thanked Japan for its intensive support to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to EU membership. She stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains focused on continuing to implement key priorities and meeting the necessary conditions on the path to full EU membership.
She also said that Japan was one of the most important bilateral donors to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Priority areas of assistance include primary health care, education, water supply, agriculture, environmental protection, infrastructure, science and culture. The Government of Japan has been directly involved in improving the living conditions of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the GAGP of the Embassy of Japan since 1996. The total amount of grants approved to date amounts to more than 20,000,000 euros for 251 projects. In the context of the above, positive feelings towards the Japanese people and government are highly appreciated in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ambassador Kinefuchi said Japan will continue its continued support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in the area of investment in infrastructure projects and environmental protection.
During the meeting, it was concluded that there is mutual interest and the need to further improve all forms of cooperation, with particular emphasis on strengthening economic relations between the two countries. It was highlighted that there is enormous potential for cooperation in the sectors of tourism, education, sports, culture, energy, information and communication technologies, timber, metallurgy and textiles.
Kristo highlighted the importance of the decision taken by the Japanese government in December 2022, which eliminates visas for official and diplomatic passport holders. She also highlighted the importance of the numerous investments and development projects that Japan is carrying out throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina and expressed support for the initiative to join the cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the global international network of “Mayor” cities. for peace “.
At the end of the meeting, Kristo welcomed the Japanese initiative for cooperation with the Western Balkan countries, launched by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and expressed confidence in an upcoming meeting with Japan’s special representative for the Western Balkan country, announced the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.