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SOCHI/SARAJEVO, December 21 (FENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bisera Turković met today in Sochi with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov.
Turković and Lavrov first talked tête-à-tête, and then led the delegations of the two countries in the talks.
The two officials paid special importance to the fact that this meeting marks 25 years of diplomatic relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Russian Federation and mutual recognition was emphasized on this occasion.
It was stated that the relations are good, but that there is room for improvement, especially in the fields of economy and culture. It was agreed to intensify work on interstate agreements that are in preparation.
Minister Turković emphasized that great attention has been paid to economic cooperation and foreign trade and that the visit came at a very important moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire region.
When it comes to the situation in BiH and the region, Minister Turković conveyed the view that citizens are increasingly worried and frightened, especially after the adoption of the conclusions of the National Assembly of the entity of Republika Srpska, emphasizing that the implementation of the conclusions could seriously endanger peace and stability, but also the progress that has been made together over the last 26 years.
The status of the OHR, whose presence in BiH is determined by Annex 10 of the Dayton Agreement, was also discussed.
Russia, as it has been confirmed today, stands firmly on the positions of the Dayton PA and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH.
Minister Turković added that deepening ethnic divisions, hindering progress and the constitutional order is not the way to lasting stability and peace anywhere in the world, including in the Western Balkans.
"We must return the talks and dialogue on reforms to the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. That is what the vast majority of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina support, and that is the path we have chosen," the Foreign Minister added, assessing today's talks as a major contribution to improving relations and supporting the stabilization of the situation in our region.
After the meeting of the delegations, Minister Lavrov prepared a festive lunch for the BiH delegation that was welcomed in Sochi at the highest level.
(FENA) S. R.
