Turkey will continue building up close relations with friendly countries in the Balkans, where Bosnia and Herzegovina holds a special place in hearts of Turkish people, said the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing the Turkish parliament on Monday.

Erdogan announced during the first parliamentary session after the summer break that Turkey would intensify the cooperation with friendly Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro and other countries.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina holds a special place in hearts of our people, from both the historical and human aspect,” Erdogan said, adding it is his “lifetime commitment” to stand next to Bosniaks, who are one of three main ethnic groups in Bosnia.

Turkish President also announced intensifying of relations with Russia and Qatar, expressing hope the relations with the USA would get better “in the spirit of strategic partnership.”