MINSK, 20 June (BelTA) – Belarus and Bosnia and Herzegovina can accomplish so much more in the development of relations. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement as he met with Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik on 20 June, BelTA has learned.
The Belarusian head of state stressed he was happy to welcome in Minsk Milorad Dodik, whom he met 19 years ago. “It is a pity we meet rarely, but it is good that we’ve finally met and at the right time,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “We closely monitor the development of your country. You know my opinion about former Yugoslavia, about the situation that was evolving in its former republics. We had rather good relations with Yugoslavia. Rather good relations between Belarus and Serbia are taking shape. We have relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina but it is not enough. We can do much more than that. This is why your visit is so important.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko said he believes that sport is a good reason for a meeting. He pointed out the successful development of sport in the post-Yugoslavia space. “We learn from you in various kinds of sports. Many athletes perform here in Belarus. Coaches come here to pass on their experience. And sport has always been a harbinger of peace and is a good reason for you to come to Belarus,” he concluded.
In turn, Milorad Dodik noted that he appreciates efforts of the Belarusian leader to make his country stable and prosperous.
The chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina shared his impressions of the visit to Minsk. In his words, the capital of Belarus is a beautiful and clean city. Milorad Dodik drew attention to the confident development of the country.
He also wished every success during the forthcoming sport competitions to the Belarusian team.
While talking to reporters, the chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina said that the negotiations with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko had touched upon the advancement of bilateral cooperation, contacts in the sphere of new technologies and tractor engineering. Political matters were also raised. “We shared the opinion that stability is the most important thing,” Milorad Dodik stressed.
He thanked the Belarusian head of state for the invitation to attend the opening ceremony of the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019.
A team of Bosnia and Herzegovina is taking part in the 2nd European Games. The team comprises 16 athletes and 13 coaches. The Bosnian athletes will compete in such sports as canoeing, boxing, judo, tennis, shooting, and cycling.