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Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina: â€œWe intend to broaden the economic relations with Azerbaijanâ€- INTERVIEW - PHOTOSESSION

Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina: â€œWe intend to broaden the economic relations with Azerbaijanâ€- <font color=red>INTERVIEW - PHOTOSESSION</font>

13 January 2011 10:50 (UTC +04:00)

- What is the purpose of your visit to Azerbaijan, how do you assess the bilateral relations?

- This is the first high-level visit to Azerbaijan from Bosnia and Herzegovina. We felt the importance of the holding such meeting. The purpose is to strengthen the cooperation in economical sphere, discuss the existing opportunities for joint activity.

- What is the reason of Bosnia and Herzegovinaâ€™s retardation of interest to Azerbaijan in comparison with other republics established in the territory of former Yugoslavia?

- I wouldnâ€™t say that it is retardation. It is because of lack of time. Bosnia and Herzegovina is on the way to be member of NATO and the European Union and we have focused our attention on this issue. We established relations with Azerbaijan in 1999, but there has not been an opportunity for high-level meeting. I have met with my Azerbaijani counterpart within framework of the international events, but we had not a high-level meeting.

- When will you country be full member of NATO and European Union?

- We are in final stage of NATO membership and we will achieve full membership after solving some problems. I donâ€™t think that this issue will be solved in 2014-2016. We donâ€™t expect that we will become NATO member before 2020.
European Union prevents enlargement now and after Croatian membership it suspended the enlargement process.

- What fields of cooperation with Azerbaijan is interesting for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

- I held meetings in Baku with President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Arthur Rasizadeh, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Minister for Economic Development Shahin Mustafayev. We mentioned mostly political aspects during the discussions. Along with, we discussed the prospects of economic development, particularly investment, trade turnover and adoption of necessary documents for that. We determine energy, pharmacology and tourism spheres and we consider is important to adopt documents on investment and double tax cut. Experts of both countries will hold meetings next six months and I think some ministerial visit will take place until June.

The cultural and humanitarian issues, as well as sports were on agenda during my meetings in Baku. Baku and Sarajevo were twinned cities during the USSR and Yugoslavia time. We discussed restoration of these relations as well. Baku Mayor will visit Sarajevo soon.

- Bosnia and Herzegovina abstained during the adoption of UN General Assembly resolution on Nagorno Karabakh in 2008. Did your country determine its position on this issue?

- The Nagorno Karabakh conflict was discussed during my meetings in Baku. It is very important issue. Bosnia and Herzegovinaâ€™s position in this matter is very clear. We support sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. And in 2011 Bosnia and Herzegovina in Security Council will continue to support Azerbaijan on that basis.

- Are Baku and Sarajevo looking forward for opening the embassies?

- This issue is on agenda. Azerbaijan expressed its intention to open diplomatic office in Sarajevo. Residence of Bosnia and Herzegovinaâ€™s embassy to Azerbaijan is in Ankara. We can review the opening of embassy here.

- Is there Azerbaijani Diaspora in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

- I donâ€™t know exactly. But nearly 100 our citizens are working in Azerbaijan. I hope we will establish business relations and our citizens will work in Azerbaijan, your citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- Are there prospects of humanitarian relations?

- Yes, there are. We discussed cultural relations during the meetings and agreed to organize several cultural events. Azerbaijani delegation will visit Sarajevo beginning from next month. A large film festival will be held in Sarajevo this summer. Azerbaijani producers were also invited to this festival, which has great influence in Europe.

- How is your impression about Baku?

- I am in Baku for the first time and therefore I canâ€™t compare it. But it was interesting to see large construction work in the city during the world financial crisis.