The Chairman of Bosnia’s three-member presidency, Sefik Dzaferovic sent to his Italian counterpart a message of solidarity and condolences to the families of the numerous coronavirus victims, the Italian Embassy in Bosnia said.
In his response, President Sergio Mattarella recalled the emotional photos of the Sarajevo City Hall illuminated in colours of the Italian flag which millions of Italians have seen and have been touched by.
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Those photos symbolize the “strong friendship that unites our two countries and our nations,” President Mattarella said.
The Italian president promised cooperation between the health sectors of the two countries in facing the current crisis and its aftermath.
Italy will, together with the offices of the United Nations and the World Health Organization in Sarajevo, organise videoconferences where Italian and Bosnian health workers will be exchanging their experiences and protocols in handling the pandemic.
The Italian Embassy will deliver to Sarajevo 200 protective masks to Bosnian authorities next week, the Embassy said.
It also said that Italian NGOs have redirected part of their projects funded by the Italian government towards helping Bosnia fight COVID-19 and supporting families in need in areas they operate.
Italy is also sending two military doctors to help EUFOR’s cooperation with hospitals in Bosnia and Herzegovina by sharing the experiences they gained while working on Italy’s fight against COVID-19.
Italian President Mattarella used this opportunity to emphasize Italy’s strong support for Bosnia’s efforts to join the EU, the Embassy statement said.
