Speakers of both Houses of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH Šefik Džaferović and Safet Softić talked in Ankara with the acting Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey

Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PABiH) Šefik Džaferović and Speaker of the House of Peoples of PA BiH Safet Softić, who are in a three-day working visit to the Republic of Turkey, talked today in Ankara with the Acting Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey Ahmet Aydin on the possibilities of enhancing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.

Expressing his gratitude for strong support and solidarity provided by Bosnia and Herzegovina to the people and democratic institutions of the Republic of Turkey during last year's unsuccessful coup attempt in this country, Mr. Aydin also expressed confidence that this visit and the talks of delegations of the two parliaments at the highest level contribute to the development of political, economic, educational and cultural relations between Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Acting Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey emphasized that his country strongly supports reforms that BiH has been implementing in the process of European and Euro-Atlantic integration and wished our country fast and efficient progress towards the European Union and NATO.

Emphasizing the fact that the two countries support each other on the bilateral level as well, especially in institutions such as the Council of Europe, Mr. Aydin said that the authorities in Turkey encourage investors from this countries to continue investing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Aydin advocated for the continuation of cooperation between the two parliaments through the work of parliamentary friendship groups, stressing that the friendship group for BiH in the Turkish Parliament is led by a very influential MP, Hakan Cavusoglu.

Welcoming the victory of the Turkish people and the democratically elected institutions over terrorism and those who wanted to take power in the country by violent means last year, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the PA BiH Šefik Džaferović expressed his confidence that the Republic of Turkey would respond to the challenges in the fight against terrorism in the best possible manner, as well as in dealing with the refugee crisis and come out even stronger.

Džaferović emphasized that the two friendly countries should give new impetus to economic cooperation through attracting large Turkish investments in BiHand removal of all barriers and obstacles, as well as through introduction of incentives for investors with the aim of creating new jobs.

Speaker of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, Safet Softic, expressed his regret over innocent victims that fell during last year's coup in Turkey.

"During this visit we realized that the Republic of Turkey emerged from this problem as more powerful and stronger country. Turkish state, democracy and people will always have a strong and friendly support by BiH, "said Softić.

Pointing out that the two countries every day open the door for strengthening friendly relations in all fields, Speaker of the House of Peoples of BiH Parliamentary Assembly Safet Softić welcomed the intention of the Turkish investors and organizations to continue to invest in all parts of our country, to the benefit of all three constituent peoples and all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The two delegations exchanged opinions on the current political situation in Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, stressing the need to overcome all problems through dialogue and mutual respect and appreciation.

The Turkish side stressed the need for solving the issue related to operation of FETO organization in BiH, which was declared as a terroristic organization in Turkey. With this regard, it was stressed that this issue should be resolved on the principles of good friendly relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Turkey, the institutional activities of both countries in accordance with the laws of BiH and the Republic of Turkey.

Delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH made a toured visit of the building of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey together with the hosts, particularly the places which were bombed from the air during last year's coup and the violent takeover of power in Turkey.

At the very beginning of this official visit to the Republic of Turkey, Delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH visited Antikabira, Museum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Republic of Turkey, where Džaferović and Softić laid a wreath and signed the Golden Book of impressions. (End)