PM Shehbaz reaffirms close ties with Bosnia & Herzegovina

Pakistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina have agreed to work toward a broader partnership built on trade and economic ties, according to Mettis Global. The understanding emerged from a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Denis Bećirović, who chairs Bosnia's presidency, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Both sides went over politics, economics, defence, the mobility of skilled workers, education and culture during the discussion, which the publisher described as candid.

Sharif reiterated that Pakistan values its long-standing, fraternal bond with Bosnia and Herzegovina and backs the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He argued that stability in the region hinges on a Bosnia that is strong, steady and prosperous. He congratulated Bećirović on the start of formal EU accession negotiations and described Bosnia as a possible trade and connectivity hub for Pakistani exports bound for European and Western Balkan markets.

Bećirović returned the praise, commending Pakistan's mediation in calming and normalising tensions across West Asia and the Gulf. He also endorsed Pakistan's view that keeping the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance is unlawful. The leaders committed to keep communicating and to expand bilateral ties, including visits at senior level in both countries.