Members of the BiH PA Friendship Group for Africa and Middle East Countries met with the Delegation of the Friendship Group of the Parliament of Kuwait

 
The Chairperson of the BiH PA Friendship Group for Africa and Middle East Countries, Dr. Božo Ljubić, along with Deputy Chairperson, Mr Lazar Prodanović and the BiH PA members Nermina Zaimović - Uzunović, Šemsudin Mehmedović, Ismeta Dervoz, Krunoslav Vrdoljak and Mehmed Bradarić met today in Sarajevo with the Delegation of Friendship Group of the Parliament of Kuwait, led by the Chairperson of Friendship Group, Mr Saud Neshmi Al Houraiji.

The Chairperson of the BiH PA Friendship Group, Dr. Božo Ljubić stressed that the friendship between Kuwait and BiH is on-going since BiH’s most difficult war period, when the people of Kuwait had greatly helped BiH citizens. In addition, he emphasized that the first post war investment in BiH was Kuwaiti, comprising 30 million EUR into the production of iron and steel in Zenica ironworks. Further, Kuwait was the first state to provide help to citizens in those areas in BiH affected by the floods.

Dr. Ljubić also stressed that parliamentarians can greatly promote political relations and co-operation between the two countries through an increase of investment and mutual trade exchange, as BiH is a link between the countries of Western Balkans and the European Union. BiH has great potential for foreign investors in an array of industries, especially in production of organic food, tourism and rest-cure.

Mr Saud Neshmi Al Houraiji noted today that BiH's full- fledged membership in Euro-Atlantic integration would have an additional positive impact on overall stability both in BiH and in the region, thus stressing a need for BiH to join the EU and NATO as soon as possible. He remarked that Kuwait proved to be a true friend of BiH and will continue to provide assistance to the peoples of BiH – regardless of religion or nationality – in the aftermath of the recent flooding disaster. He elaborated that BiH has a special meaning for the people of Kuwait. Further, mutual visa liberalization gives fresh impetus to investment in economic capacities and helps boost tourism between the two countries.

In addition, the role of Kuwaiti companies in BiH was highly emphasized; currently there are approx. 200 companies in BiH. An issue of ownership rights of Kuwaiti citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina was discussed, too.

The hosts expressed their gratitude on behalf of the citizens of BiH for the provided assistance from Kuwait and Kuwaiti people during floods that affected BiH. It was highlighted that an international donor conference will be held by the end of this month to raise funds for the reconstruction of areas affected by floods in BiH. (end)