Members of the PABiH Friendship Group for Asia hold meeting with the Ambassador of the PR of China to BiH

The Chairman of the Friendship Group for Asia of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PABiH), Marinko Čavara, and members of the Friendship Group, Šemsudin Mehmedović, Zlatko Miletić, and Safet Softić, held a working meeting today with the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to BiH, H.E. Li Fan.

During the meeting, mutual satisfaction was expressed regarding the fact that relations between BiH and the PR of China have been stable over the past three decades, based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as non-interference in the internal affairs of the two countries. The members of the Friendship Group emphasized that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and China is an ideal opportunity to further consolidate parliamentary cooperation, strengthen economic ties, and enhance tourist, educational, and cultural exchanges between the two friendly nations. They confirmed that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to the defined principles of bilateral relations, including respect for the One China policy, and stressed their desire to continue building and improving cooperation between BiH and China on these foundations.

Ambassador Li informed those present about the significant increase in the volume of trade between BiH and China this year, which grew by 45 percent, as well as the rise in the number of Chinese tourists visiting BiH, which is approximately 35 percent higher compared to the same period last year.

The meeting also addressed the strategic plans of the Chinese side for the next five years, which, as explained, envision a significant increase in direct investment, particularly in the sectors of energy and renewable energy sources, the construction of road and rail communications, as well as digital transformation and support for the development of "smart cities."

In this regard, Ambassador Li emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina is an important partner for China within the "Belt and Road" initiative, adding that the Chinese plan for the next five years consists not only of capital investment but also of the transfer of knowledge and technology to aid local economic development.

At the end of the meeting, it was concluded that the Friendship Group for Asia will continue to work actively on promoting BiH as an attractive destination for Chinese investors and tourists, with the expectation of further development of bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and China for the benefit of both countries. Ambassador Li invited the members of the Friendship Group to visit the PR of China, an invitation that was accepted with pleasure. (end)