During the meeting, in a cordial discussion, bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey were assessed. The interlocutors agreed that the relations between the two states are at the highest level. They expressed a mutual wish for the reached level of excellent relations to be maintained, and for cooperation to be furthered at all levels.
Before the start of the Organisation of Islamic Coopration Summit, BiH Presidency Chairman Izetbegović and President Erdoğan shared their concern with the situation in parts of the Islamic world. It was stated that the Muslim world is facing serious challenges, most significant of which are terrorism, sectarian violence and armed conflicts. It is the joint stance that unity and solidarity among the Muslim countries are necessary for solving of these challenges. In that regard, the interlocutors expressed hope that these will be solved through coordinated action of the united Islamic world and they also expressed an expectation that the tomorrow’s summit will be a step in that direction, and that it will result in unity.
The topics of the discussion also included the worsening security situation in the Middle East, a complex situation in Syria, as well as current relations between Turkey and the European Union in the context of the refugee crisis and mass migrations. Chairman Izetbegović expressed his most sincere sympathy for the frequent loss of lives of the Turkish citizens in the terrorist attacks. He also expressed solidarity with the Turkish citizens.
A joint commitment of the two states to decisively fight against terrorism and violent extremism was expressed. The interlocutors also confirmed readiness to continue the closest security cooperation.