Pakistanis are Welcome to Bosnia – We have Good Defence Relations : Ambassador Emin

WNAM REPORT: Ambassador of Bosnia Herzegovina Emin Cohodarevic has said that Pakistani citizens are welcome to our country and we have very good defense cooperation. On economic side Bosnia can be the gateway for Pakistani exports to Europe because we have free trade agreements with European countries and we have transport and logistic networks as well. Both countries will enter into a new phase of bilateral cooperation soon when a high level delegation will visit Pakistan.
In an interview , the Ambassador said, located in the hart of Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina have well-connected transport facilities and serve as a bridge between Eastern and Western markets. By making investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pakistani enterprises can significantly cut their business costs and get integrated into European industrial system.
He stressed, “Bosnia Herzegovina holds a special place in the hearts of the Pakistani people. The warm hospitality extended to me and my family in last year was a demonstration of the friendship, brotherhood and partnership between our two countries and peoples. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for warmth and hospitality I experienced in every corner of Pakistan.
On bilateral trade exchange, Ambassador replied, ” It is very modest. I am not pleased with the current level of bilateral trade because it does not reflect by far the real potential of the two countries. Efforts must be made, and this is high on the Embassy agenda, to identify new opportunity and fields for increasing the trade.”
The Embassy is planning to organize the various types of business meetings, product exhibitions, providing important platforms for business communities to intensify exchange and cooperation. The legal framework that could contribute to facilitating bilateral trade cooperation is already established. An agreement on trade and economic cooperation is in force since September, 2011.
H.E Emin shared , ” The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia Herzegovina has developed several alternative forms of cooperation to enhance the efficiency of implementing concluded agreements and optimize invested resources”
An increasing number of bilateral partners (Czech Republic, China, Hungary, Spain, Slovenia, etc.) accept this approach and actively cooperate accordingly.
Ambassador was sure that , ” Bilateral visits are important to strengthen our friendship and cooperation. After eight years, the Second Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina was held in November, 2024. A high-level visit is expected from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in a near future.”
Better air connectivity between two states would broaden and deepen the already strong relationship. At present, there are no direct flights from Sarajevo to Islamabad. However, there are several very convenient flights from the Sarajevo to Islamabad with a stopover.
Ambassador shared , The bilateral defense cooperation can be assessed as very good. Both countries have interest for intensifying the bilateral military cooperation so, by 2007. an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense industry was signed and by 2012. an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense was signed.
In recent years the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina regularly sends their officers to study at the National Defense University in Islamabad and the Command and Staff School in Quetta.