Turkish president arrives in Bosnia, 1st stop on mini-Balkans tour

By Talha Ozturk

SARAJEVO, Bosnia, and Herzegovina (AA) - Turkey's president on Friday arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital Sarajevo, the first stop on his mini-tour of two Western Balkan countries, including Montenegro.

In Sarajevo, Recep Tayyip Erdogan began his visit at the gravesite of Alija Izetbegovic, the country's founding president, who passed away in 2003.

Later, Erdogan is scheduled to attend the reopening of the Bascarsija Mosque, built in the 1500s but damaged during the 1990s Balkan wars. The historic mosque, which was declared a national monument in 2006, has now been restored by Turkey's Foundations Directorate General.

Before departing Turkey, Erdogan said that with its multicultural structure, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a key country in the Balkan region.

"Turkey places great importance on Bosnia and Herzegovina's security, stability, and development," said Erdogan.

He also said that during his visit he would have the opportunity to discuss steps to strengthen cooperation.

Erdogan later will meet with Zeljko Komsic, the Croat member and current chair of the three-member Presidency Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as its Serb member Milorad Dodik and Bosniak member Sefik Dzaferovic.

The three-man council will welcome Erdogan with an official ceremony.

During their face-to-face meeting, bilateral relations will be reviewed and steps discussed for deepening cooperation.

On Saturday Erdogan will arrive in Podgorica, the capital of neighboring Montenegro, at the invitation of the country’s President Milo Djukanovic.

During both visits, current developments in the Balkans will be evaluated and views will be exchanged on other regional and international issues.