UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS FROM TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER; OTHER EDITS
By Talha Ozturk
BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Turkey's foreign minister on Wednesday expressed deep concern over a document questioning the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"A document that no one supports should not be popularized. From the very beginning, Turkey has strongly supported the political unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will continue to do so in the future," Mevlut Cavusoglu told a joint news conference with his Bosnian counterpart Bisera Turkovic in the capital Sarajevo.
Cavusoglu said any document which questions the country’s territorial integrity is "very dangerous" for both the Balkans and Europe at large.
Recent reports claimed that Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa sent to EU bodies in Brussels a “non-paper” suggesting changes to borders in the Western Balkans. Jansa has denied the claims.
Cavusoglu stressed that projects that unite the countries of the region – not separate them – should be the focus.
"Turkey places importance on this Sarajevo-Belgrade highway, a project for stability in the region, and we will continue to support this project in all ways,'' said Cavusoglu.
In 2018, Turkish firm Tasyapi signed a contract with the Serbian government to build the landmark roadway.
Cavusoglu added that they were also pleased with the holding of elections in Mostar last December, the first in the historic city in 12 years.
- 'Turkey plays constructive role in region'
Cavusoglu also invited Turkovic to the meeting of the foreign ministers of Southeastern European countries and the Antalya Diplomacy Forum this June, both in the famed Turkish resort city.
At the press conference, Turkovic said: "Turkey plays a constructive and stabilizing role in the region. Turkey not only supports the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina but also supports our European Union membership (bid).”
Turkovic stressed that strong relations with Turkey will strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina and it is in the interest of all people living in the country.
She added that Turkey is the most important ally backing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to the NATO alliance.
Cavusoglu later met with Milorad Dodik, chairman of the country’s Presidential Council, and its other members as well as Prime Minister Zoran Tegeltija.