Speaker of the PABiH House of Peoples Kemal Ademović participates in the Conference of Speakers of Parliaments of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative in Skopje

"The Speaker of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PABiH), Kemal Ademović, participated in the Conference of Speakers of Parliaments of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, which was held in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia, on 26 April.

The Conference brought together Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and members of parliaments from the member states of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative – North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, Italy, San Marino, Serbia, and Slovenia – as well as representatives of relevant regional institutions.

Two key themes were considered during the Conference: the promotion of peace and stability through parliamentary diplomacy, and the strengthening of regional connectivity with a special focus on Infrastructure Corridors VIII and X and the role of parliaments in their implementation.

Within the framework of the discussions, the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as an instrument for enhancing mutual trust, strengthening political dialogue, and contributing to regional stability was highlighted. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to intensify the European integration process of the Western Balkan countries, stressing a shared commitment to European Union values, including democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and good-neighbourly relations.

The significance of regional infrastructure development as a key prerequisite for economic progress, strengthening connectivity, and accelerating the integration process was also pointed out, along with the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes and security dialogues.

The Conference was chaired by the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia, Afrim Gashi, who emphasised the importance of such meetings for exchanging experiences and aligning common priorities.

Within the framework of the Conference of Speakers of Parliament of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, the Speaker of the PABiH House of Peoples, Kemal Ademović, met with the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia, Afrim Gashi, in Skopje. During the meeting, the good and friendly relations between the two countries were confirmed, with emphasis placed on the importance of improving cooperation, especially in the field of transport connectivity. In this context, the possibilities of establishing a direct flight route between Sarajevo and Skopje were also discussed.

The Conference concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement defining the priorities for the further action of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative member states, while reaffirming the commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, stability, and the European perspective of the region.

The Adriatic-Ionian Initiative was established in 2000 with the aim of strengthening political and economic cooperation among the countries of the region, as well as supporting the European integration process." (Press release from the Office of the Speaker of the House of Peoples, Kemal Ademović)