Prime Minister Imran Khan and H.E. Mr. efik Daferovic, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia & Herzegovina meeting at Islamabad on 4th November, 2020
Islamabad; Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia & Herzegovina Sefik Dzaferovic arrived on a two-day visit to Islamabad on Wednesday 04 Nov 2020 where he, along with Prime Minister Imran Khan, vowed to increase cooperation on science, trade and other fields between the two countries.
Both leaders also oversaw the signing of two memorandums of understanding between the two countries at the Prime Minister’s House, where Dzaferovic was received by the PM and also presented a guard of honour.
Speaking at a joint press conference after the accords were signed, Prime Minister Imran said both countries had decided to improve trade relations with each other.
the premier pointed out that trade between the two countries currently stood at €4.5 million which he said was “nothing”.
“We have had meetings and will have further meetings to improve trade and cooperation in all fields,” he said.
The premier also thanked Bosnia for its support of Pakistan’s stance on occupied Kashmir.
“Bosnia took a principled stance and talked about the people’s rights and a just settlement. India has been taken over by a fascist ideology, not just with what is happening in Kashmir but also with minorities in India.”
The PM disclosed that both leaders also discussed Islamophobia in their meeting. “We condemned terrorist acts by Muslims in France but we felt that for inter-religious harmony, it is important that freedom of speech is not used as an instrument to hurt the sentiments of any religious community,” he added.
“Any insult, ridicule or mocking of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) causes the greatest pain to the Muslim community and Western countries must understand that they cannot use freedom of speech as a weapon against Muslims.
“Unless this is understood, Muslims will react which will lead to marginalisation and radicalisation.”
In his speech, Dzaferovic thanked the premier for his invitation, saying he was “grateful for the opportunity to visit Pakistan”.
He said both the countries had stood by each other in difficult times.
Dzaferovic said human rights of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir must be respected and stressed that the dispute should be resolved in line with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
He also strongly condemned Islamophobic incidents as unacceptable, calling for a dialogue to build bridges and evolve unity around diversity.
The chairman said there were great opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in many areas including military, agriculture and diplomacy.
Dzaferovic also had a meeting with Qureshi in which they talked about bilateral cooperation, the Foreign Office said.
“It was agreed that a vast potential existed to enhance cooperation, especially in the fields of trade and investment, energy, science & technology, defence industry, education, and people-to-people exchanges.”
During the meeting, the foreign minister “underlined the importance of promoting mutual collaboration through optimal utilisation of mechanisms of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC), Joint Economic Commission (JEC) and Joint Trade Committee (JTC)”. He also offered training at the Foreign Service Academy for the young diplomats from Bosnia & Herzegovina, the statement added.
The visiting leader was also briefed about the human rights situation in occupied Kashmir and India’s attempt to change the demographic structure of the disputed valley.
This is Dzaferovic’s first visit to Pakistan. Earlier, Prime Minister Imran met Dzaferovic on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit in Makkah in May last year.
MoUs
Under one of the memorandums of understanding signed today, a streamlined process will be initiated to ensure that a large number of illegal migrants from Pakistan, currently in Bosnia & Herzegovina, will be returned through a readmission process.
Interior Minister retired Brigadier Ijaz Ahmed Shah and Bosnian Minister for Security Selmo Cikotic were signatories to this MoU.
A second MoU was signed between Pakistan’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Council of Ministers of Bosnia & Herzegovina to promote scientific cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Imran Khan received Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia & Herzegovina Sefik Dzaferovic today. Following the official welcoming ceremony, the two leaders held a one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks. Ministers and senior Advisers were part of the delegations on both sides. During the meetings, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan shared brotherly affinity with the people of Bosnia & Herzegovina and relations between the two countries were marked by mutual support at times of need. The Prime Minister added that Bosnia & Herzegovina’s assistance on occasion of 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods in Pakistan was deeply appreciated. The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s effective efforts in fighting Covid-19 through ‘smart lockdown’ strategy and focus on saving lives, securing livelihoods, and stimulating the economy. Noting the efforts made by Bosnia & Herzegovina to contain the pandemic, the Prime Minister announced Pakistan’s intention to provide material assistance to the Bosnian side in combating the pandemic. Chairman of the Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic highlighted the close cordial ties between Pakistan and Bosnia & Herzegovina and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s important role in advancing peace and stability in Bosnia & Herzegovina as part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission during the Bosnian war and later during the stabilization process. The two leaders exchanged views on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and agreed to further deepen mutual cooperation in all fields, especially in the economic, trade and investment, science & technology, defence industry, educational and cultural arenas. It was also agreed to maintain frequent bilateral exchanges, including at the highest level. The Prime Minister apprised Chairman Dzaferovic of the grave and systematic human rights violations in the IIOJK as well as the adverse consequences of India’s unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019 and the threat posed to peace and security in the region. The Prime Minister thanked the Presidency of Bosnia & Herzegovina for its principled stance on the issue. The Chairman reiterated Bosnia & Herzegovina’s position regarding the grave situation in IIOJK, stressing respect for human rights and resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The Prime Minister shared concern on the rise of Islamophobia around the world, particularly in Europe. He stated that publication of blasphemous caricatures and issuance of divisive statements in the name of freedom of expression had hurt the sentiments of Muslims across the world. He underlined that there was a need for understanding the special reverence that the Muslims had for the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of the recent terrorist attacks in Europe. Underlining the importance of respect for every religion, the Prime Minister underscored the need for assiduous efforts to promote inter-faith harmony. Following the talks, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific and Technological Cooperation as well as the Readmission Agreement. Chairman Sefik Dzaferovic extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Bosnia & Herzegovina. The Prime Minister accepted the invitation and said he looked forward to visiting Bosnia & Herzegovina at an early date.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia & Herzegovina Sefik Dzaferovic today. Extending a warm welcome to the Chairman on his first visit to Pakistan, the Foreign Minister underlined the fraternal nature of relations between Pakistan and Bosnia & Herzegovina marked by warmth and cordiality. He added that there was remarkable goodwill for the people of Bosnia & Herzegovina among the people of Pakistan. Both countries had supported each other in times of need. The Foreign Minister expressed condolences on the loss of precious lives in Bosnia & Herzegovina due to Covid-19. He apprised Chairman Dzaferovic of Pakistan’s strategy of ‘smart lockdown’ and Prime Minister’s stress on saving lives, securing livelihoods, and stimulating the economy. Views were exchanged on the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation. It was agreed that a vast potential existed to enhance cooperation, especially in fields of trade and investment, energy, science & technology, defence industry, education, and people-to-people exchanges. The Foreign Minister underlined the importance of promoting mutual collaboration through optimal utilization of mechanisms of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC), Joint Economic Commission (JEC) and Joint Trade Committee (JTC). The Foreign Minister also offered training at Foreign Service Academy for the young diplomats from Bosnia & Herzegovina. Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed the Chairman on the grave human rights situation in IIOJK as well as India’s illegal measures to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory, which was against UNSC resolutions, international law, and the 4th Geneva Convention. The Foreign Minister thanked the Presidency of Bosnia & Herzegovina for taking a principled position on the issue. The Foreign Minister also highlighted Pakistan’s positive contribution to the Afghan peace process and reaffirmed support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned leading to an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement. Both sides appreciated the strong cooperation at the multilateral fora, especially at the UN. It was agreed to continue such mutual support to each other.
