As part of his official visit to the Netherlands, the Chairman of the BiH Presidency, Denis Becirovic, held a meeting in The Hague with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, where they spoke about the possibilities of strengthening economic cooperation, given the significant trade growth between BiH and the Netherlands.

The total foreign trade exchange in 2023 amounted to 826.15 million Bosnian marks and it was higher by 58.82 million marks compared to 2022. Last year, a surplus in the value of 5.99 million Bosnian marks was recorded in that exchange.

Opportunities for more intensive cooperation can be encouraged by examples of positive investment practices of Dutch companies in BiH, as well as by the existence of the business association Business Club Bosnia and Herzegovina – The Netherlands.

Becirovic emphasized that the key strategic goals of BiH are the acceleration of the path towards full membership in the EU and NATO.

This meeting was particularly important for BiH because Mark Rutte is one of the most serious candidates for the future Secretary-General of NATO.

At the meeting, Becirovic welcomed the EU's decision to strengthen European forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Althea Mission), as well as the Netherlands’ decision to send an additional contingent of 160 soldiers to our country.

It was also said that a significant link in BiH's relations with the Netherlands is represented by the numerous Bosnian diaspora.

The relations between the two countries were rated as good, the countries are committed to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting key initiatives to promote peace, stability and prosperity in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

Becirovic thanked the Dutch Prime Minister for the support of the Netherlands in adopting the Resolution on July 11 as the International Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the Genocide in Srebrenica in 1995.

He pointed to the importance of the Netherlands’ involvement in helping the victims of genocide, as well as the decision to build a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide in The Hague.

This was the second meeting between Becirovic and Rutte in the last five months, stated the BiH Presidency.