BOSNIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER SVEN ALKALAJ MET WITH GERMAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER WALTER STEINMEIER

BERLIN, Germany (April 24,2008) – The Bosnian Foreign Affairs Minister Sven Alkalaj met in the German capital Berlin with German Foreign Affairs Minister and deputy German Chancellor Walter Steinmeier. They talked about promotion of cooperation between Bosnia and Germany.

They agreed that there is enough of space for improvement of bilateral relations, especially on the sector of economy and attraction of German investors. They also talked about the need of amendments to the existing and conclusion of the new agreements in the sector of health and social protection, as well as about the need of engaging employees from Bosnia.

Alkalaj thanked for Germany’s support to Bosnia in the period during and after the 1992-1995 Serbian,Montenegrin and Croatian aggressions against Bosnia, especially in the segment of security and multilateral cooperation.

Minister Steinmeier welcomed adoption of police reform laws in Bosnia, which made the conditions necessary for signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between Bosnia and the EU fulfilled. The Agreement will most probably be signed May 26. It has been emphasized that Bosnia can count on support of Germany in the process of European and Euro-Atlantic integrations.

The German Foreign Minister Steinmeier emphasized that Germany has been monitoring the events in the southeastern Europe with great interest.

The Bosnian Foreign Minister Alkalaj emphasized the importance of realization of visits between the two countries’ highest officials. He invited Minister Steinmeier to visit Bosnia soon. The proposal has been accepted.

The Bosnian Foreign Affairs Minister Sven Alkalaj also held a lecture on Tuesday at Berlin’s Foreign Policy Association (DGAP) on the topic “Bosnia on the Way to the EU”.

Minister Alkalaj hopes that the European Union, as well as its key members individually will accelerate the processes of preparations of official signing of the SAA with Bosnia, which would additionally encourage the reform forces in the country.

The Bosnian tourist offer has also been presented after the lecture, in organization of the Bosnian Embassy in Germany.
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