Turkey, Bosnia agree to enhance defense ties

By Sarp Ozer

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of defense, Turkey’s Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli said on Wednesday.

Canikli's remarks came during his official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital Sarajevo.

Speaking to reporters after meeting his Bosnian counterpart Marina Pendes, Canikli described Bosnia as “a valuable and important country” for Turkey.

Calling his meeting with Pendes “constructive” and “fruitful,” the Turkish minister said: "The two countries agreed to further develop relations in the field of defense."

"We will continue to provide support to Bosnia and Herzegovina [...] We believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina will soon become NATO and EU member," said Canikli.

Underlining historical ties between the two countries, the Turkish minister said Bosnia and Herzegovina has a strategic position in the Balkans.

"Without stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there will be no stability in the Balkans and in Europe. And if there is no stability in Balkans, there can be no stability in the world," said Canikli.

During his visit, Canikli visited Kovaci Cemetery in Sarajevo and laid a wreath at Bosnia's first President Alija Izetbegovic's grave.