Strengthening ties with Bosnia

PM’s current visit is expected to build on two decades worth of goodwill that both countries have towards each other

The PM was on an official trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina where he met government officials, members of parliament and the country’s business community in order to discuss issues of mutual concern and cooperation. Pakistan and Bosnia have had a cooperative relationship since 1992 when Pakistan accepted Bosnia’s independence from Yugoslavia. Trade relations have also existed between the two, however the volume of trade is minuscule. In order to improve this situation a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in 2012 by the then presidents of Pakistan and Bosnia. The MoU covered aspects of bilateral trade and defence with Pakistan agreeing to provide conventional weapons to Bosnia. Meanwhile, the countries have also been negotiating a Preferential Trade Agreement.

The PM’s current visit is expected to build on the two decades worth of goodwill that both countries have towards each other as well as the various efforts in the past to increase trade and defence ties. In the present world climate of distrust and isolationist stances by Western countries, it is important for Pakistan to open the doors to friendship with other developing countries. 2016 has been a tough year for Pakistan in terms of foreign policy. The ongoing poor relations with India have impacted Pakistan’s image abroad with India lobbying to ensure that Pakistan’s efforts towards counterterrorism are discredited and the country is distanced from its Western allies. Meanwhile, our relationship with the US has also been shaky with the superpower urging Pakistan to do more against banned organisations. Meanwhile, we have been strengthening our ties with China. The establishment of the CPEC has been hailed as a strategic intervention which will have long-term positive effects for the country. However, at the same time, the importance of establishing ties with other countries apart from China cannot be discounted. It is therefore hoped that the PM’s visit to Bosnia will yield positive outcomes.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2016.

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