Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Becirovic met on Friday with Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The discussion highlighted the shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, peace, stability, and good neighbourly relations across the Western Balkans.

At the outset of the meeting, Becirovic condemned the ongoing propaganda from certain political figures in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Republika Srpska (RS) entity, describing it as “Goebbels-like.”

“Today, there is no discussion about the recognition of Kosovo because it is clear to everyone that such a decision requires consensus within the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Responsible leaders must always adhere to constitutional and legal principles while engaging in constructive discussions about implementing agreements from the Berlin Process. We will not allow anyone to think they can dictate to Bosnian leaders whom they can meet, where, or when. They should abandon such notions permanently,” Becirovic stated.

The leaders jointly welcomed Kosovo’s decision to allow visa-free travel for Bosnian citizens using ID cards from 1 January 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process.

Becirovic emphasized the importance of implementing all commitments stemming from the Berlin Process. He highlighted the agreements signed in Berlin, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and aligning with EU standards, including the Agreement on Freedom of Movement using ID cards across the Western Balkans. Notably, the agreements were signed by Zoran Tegeltija, the then-Chair of the Council of Ministers, and it was supported by Milorad Dodik. Becirovic criticized Dodik’s current opposition to constructive dialogue within the Berlin Process as irresponsible.

He further noted that Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo have ratified all agreements on regional mobility. However, due to blockades from the RS, Kosovo citizens still face restrictions on entering BiH, violating the Berlin Process agreements.
Becirovic also recalled that former Presidency Chairman Milorad Dodik had invited Kosovo’s then-President Hashim Thaci to a Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP) summit in Sarajevo, describing it as a positive move. He urged Dodik to maintain a consistent policy approach.

The Presidency member expressed gratitude to Kosovo for its solidarity in promoting truth and justice regarding the Srebrenica genocide. He commended Kosovo’s Assembly for adopting a resolution in July 2021 condemning the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, prohibiting its denial, and designating 11 July as a day of remembrance.

Becirovic also thanked Kosovo for its support following the catastrophic floods that struck Bosnia in October. Kosovo’s government provided financial aid to assist with recovery efforts.

Notably, the extraordinary session of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina scheduled for yesterday was cancelled due to a boycott by RS members, in protest against Prime Minister Kurti’s visit.