Bevanda - Tuomioja: Finland Supports European Integrations of BIH

Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BIH Vjekoslav Bevanda received in Sarajevo Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland Erkki Tuomioja, with whom he discussed the challenges faced by BIH on tis EU integrations path. 

Chairman Bevanda stated after the meeting that Finland, although geographically distant form BIH, is a proven friend of BIH.

“Finland, as other countries friendly to BIH, expresses its concern over our EU road. Readiness was expressed to support us in all fields where needed. It is quite clear that besides the existing friendships, we will not make a move from the point where we are now unless we take an effort of our own”, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BIH said.

He also presented to Minister Tuomioja possibilities for investment to BIH, as Finland is a leader in highly sophisticated technologies and with a perfect education system. Chairman Bevanda invited friends from Finland to try, with an appropriate BIH presentation, incite interest of Finish businesspeople for investment too BIH.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland stated that BIH can count on assistance of Finland whenever it is in need of a support on its European integrations way, along which its progress is very slow.

He assessed that from his last visit, in 2005, BIH, as the whole region, as well has made a considerable progress, however its further progress is very slow when it comes to the European integrations, which raises concern with countries, friends of BIH.

“Compared with 2005, there are less Finish citizens engaged in BIH in the UN and other agencies. Nevertheless, our commitment to BIH remains”, the Finish Foreign Minister said.

Minister Toumioja thanked for support BIH will give to Finland on its candidacy for non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Finland had earlier support BIH’s candidacy for non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

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