Najave
Chairwoman Krišto with Ambassador of Japan in BIH Masami Kinefuchi
09/14/2023
The meeting noted bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan are good and friendly and without outstanding issues, acknowledging that the cooperation has ben improving continuously during 27 years, from establishment of diplomatic relations,
Chairwoman Krišto thanked for development assistance by the Government of Japan implemented over years through numerous programmes, thus supporting reform processes in BIH. She thanked for an intensive support by Japan for its EU way. She emphasised that focus of Bosnia and Herzegovina remains directed to further implementation of key priorities and fulfilment of required conditions on the road to the full EU membership.
The Chairwoman said that Japan is one of most important bilateral donors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and priority assistance areas are primary health care, education, water supply, agriculture, environmental protection, infrastructure, science and culture. The Government of Japan participated directly in improvement of living standard of BIH citizens by GAGP through the Embassy of Japan, from January 1996. The amount of approved grant funds thus far extends EUR 20.000.000 for 251 projects. Due to all referred to, BIH highly appreciates people of Government of Japan.
Ambassador Kienfuchi said Japan will continue its support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially through investments to infrastructure and environmental protection projects.
The meeting recognised mutual interest and need for further improvement of all forms of cooperation, with a special accent to strengthening of economic relations between the two countries, since there is a lot of potential for cooperation in sectors of tourism, education, sports, culture, energy, ITC, wood and metal-procession I and textile industries.
The Chairwoman stressed the importance of the Government of Japan decision of December 2022, rescinding visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports. She pointed at the importance of numerous investments and development projects implemented by Japan throughout BIH, and supported an initiative of joining BIH cities to the international cities network “Mayors for Peace”.
Finally, Chairwoman Krišto commended Japanese initiative for cooperation with the Western Balkan countries, launched by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and said she is looking forward to soon meeting special representative of Japan for the Western Balkan countries Ambassador Kimitake Nakamuru.(end)