Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, who arrived for an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday, said she was happy and proud for the role Slovenia played in Bosnia and Herzegovina getting a green light for opening of the accession talks with the European Union.

“It is nice to arrive in a city where you see European flags, hear only positive stories and the excitement of the people regarding the historic start. I am very happy and proud that Slovenia played a very important role in helping the process, we cooperated throughout the procedure and we will continue doing so. Opening the negotiations is a tough procedure and it is not only the goal – the EU membership that matters, it is also the reforms that mean the improvement of the citizens’ lives that matter as well,” said Fajon, addressing the media following the meeting with her Bosnian counterpart Elmedin Konakovic.

Elmedin Konaković (F.Z./N1)

Tanja Fajon (F.Z./N1)

Tanja Fajon (F.Z./N1)

Elmedin Konaković (F.Z./N1)

F.Z./N1

Tanja Fajon i Elmedin Konaković (F.Z./N1)

Elmedin Konaković i Tanja Fajon (F.Z. / N1)

Both ministers agreed – Bosnia and Slovenia have good bilateral relations, but there is a room for the improvement.

“Slovenia is a great friend of BiH. I am happy for the young generations that the country is taking the path of urgent reforms. Today I had a chance to hear a nice story with successful entrepreneurs and young people in BiH, who showed another perspective – BiH having a potential, knowledge, successful stories and prosperous young people who wish to stay in this country. With the start of the process of reforms and harmonisation with the EU you will get the EU financial tools, which will mean additional incentive for economy,” Fajon underlined.

She stressed that BiH has always been and will be a part of Europe, and that 2030 will be a crucial year. Slovenia will provide its help as much as possible, she added.

Asked if it is possible for Bosnia to become a member state considering the strong international presence – the foreign judges and the Office of the High Representative as well as the EU peacekeeping forces, Fajon replied:

“I truly believe that BiH's membership in the EU means at the same time that foreign institutions are not needed. BiH will pass a long path of reforms by the membership and once it happens, it won't be necessary in the EU. Once BiH meets all the necessary reofrms, it won't need foreign presence.”

Speaking to media, Konakovic said that to reach this point where BiH does not need foreign judges or the OHR Bosnia needs to meet all the conditions.

“The moment we join the EU, there will be no single foreigner,” he underlined.

Konakovic presented FM Fajon with a certificate of appreciation, for her contribution to BiH's road to the EU.