Bosnia keen on boosting ties with Sri Lanka: Ambassador

Bosnia and Herzegovina is putting its war-torn past firmly behind and working towards becoming a member of the European Union. The country maintains high literacy, life expectancy and education levels and is one of the most frequently visited in the region, projected to have the third highest tourism growth rate in the world. Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador Dr. Sabit Subasic during a recent visit to Colombo talked to Daily FT about facing similar economic challenges to Sri Lanka and his country’s efforts to join the European Union. The following are excerpts:   

Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador Dr. Sabit Subasic  - Pic by Lasantha Kumara

By Uditha Jayasinghe 

Q: What is the purpose of your visit to Sri Lanka? 

A: The most concrete reason that I am here is to encourage the honorary counsel of Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve relations between the two countries and talk about different issues. I’m also here to talk to members of the Sri Lankan Government and to refresh myself about bilateral agreements that we have previously agreed on. 

Q: You mentioned that there is a desire to fast track relations. Could you please expand on this? 

A: From the very beginning our two countries have been close despite being far apart in terms of geography. Historically, ethnically and culturally we have many similarities. We are both extremely beautiful countries, Sri Lanka is a fascinating country and more people are discovering its wonders. This is also the situation in Bosnia where tourism is growing fast and it is a place with huge potential. We have other similarities. Unfortunately both our countries faced wars. Nearly 21 years ago we ended the war but it remains a very dark part of our history. To some extent both wars were about ethnic groups, in that aspect we are also similar and we can share our experiences of the past and how we can overcome issues and reconcile people. Multiculturalism adds richness to any country, provided you are able to harmonise these different communities. Such a country will be prosperous. 

Q: How can both countries work on tourism? 

A: During discussions with the Sri Lankan tourism minister I proposed finding a way to cooperate on the industry, not just in terms of encouraging travellers to visit each other, though that is also important. What I want is to find a way for our officials to cooperate on expertise and different aspects of destination promotion.

Q: Bosnia and Herzegovina has had a long reconciliation process. What would be the key aspects Sri Lanka could adopt? 

A: Any reconciliation process is complicated and long lasting. It requires involving all stakeholders of society and has to be based on well-prepared strategy. From my point of view, what I think is important for successful reconciliation is for people to face the reality of the past. It is almost impossible to draw a line and say, “let’s not think about the past but focus on the future.” People who are guilty of crimes have to be brought to justice. People must believe justice has been served so they can move on. That is the basic point for any reconciliation process, though admittedly this is very hard and we have to recognise that. In Bosnia, after the peace treaty we had a Hague tribunal for war criminals where some were sentenced for genocide. We also used local courts in the process. It is a long process but it is also important that the process is lasting. It is a painful process but it is visible and allows people to accept justice and look to the future. 

Q: Sri Lanka and Bosnia are facing tough economic reforms where large public sector entities have to be changed to trigger growth. How do you see these attempts to become more competitive members of the global market? 

A: We are faced with very serious reform as we are in the process of joining the European Union (EU) and to be part of the bloc much needs to be done. We have to build capacity and strong Government structures but roll back bureaucracy. We have a big burden in terms of reducing the public sector and even have to change the Constitution as a precondition for joining the EU. It is moving forward step by step, much like in Sri Lanka where, after the new Government came into power, measures have been taken to improve the economy. I strongly believe, given the resources Sri Lanka has, the nation will move forward. 

Q: Despite the end of the war Sri Lanka has struggled to attract foreign investment. How can this be changed? 

A: Investment is strongly connected to image. If you don’t have a good image internationally people will not be brave enough to invest. So again in that area we have similarities because during a recent meeting I was asked whether the war in Bosnia is over. I was shocked as the war ended 22 years ago but potential investors still ask about it. This could be the same situation for Sri Lanka because many people may not be aware of the war ending. So image promotion is crucial and it must be an organised process with involvement from people in Government, civil society and the private sector. There has to be a strategy to brand a country abroad – after that you will be able to attract more investors. 

Q: When you look into the future how vibrant would you like to see relations between Sri Lanka and Bosnia? 

A: Our countries have had relations since the time Bosnia and Herzegovina was known as the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. I remember when I was in primary school; former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike visited Sarajevo. People in my country keep that in their heart and we have the potential to improve engagement. In the diplomatic sphere there has to be tangible relations, which is why I am working to improve bilateral agreements with Sri Lanka, especially on tourism engagement. We are trying to have closer cooperation in the defence industry as we export defence products around the world. Last time I was here we discussed the possibility of cooperation on military education. 

Q: How can Sri Lanka brush up its engagement with the EU? 

A: The EU is a very strong economic power so promoting your country is central to attracting investment or beneficial trade practices from the bloc. That would be the first step. Another thing that exporters can use if they want to have a company in the EU is to establish it in Bosnia as within a few years we will be part of the trade group. We have many, many investors who are using that opportunity to get a footing in the EU. I am fully optimistic about the EU, it is a huge economy based on interest and mutual-interest and they will stay together with or without Britain. We are coming closer and closer to being a member of the EU. 

Q: Do you have a plan to liberalise visa policy with Sri Lanka? 

A: We have famous catholic religious places in Bosnia that I feel many Sri Lankans would be interested in and have already visited. As ambassador I acknowledge there are difficulties in getting a visa to Bosnia, mostly because of internal laws that create bottlenecks. Any applicant should come to Delhi for their interview and prepare their papers and if they are refused it is a huge waste of money. We are aware of these issues and we are working to overcome them. I have to convince my Government that it is in our interest to improve that aspect of cooperation with Sri Lanka and hopefully I will manage to do that. I understand that visa is a huge need. But the migrant crisis is an additional challenge to this issue because it has created fresh sensitivities. Many refugees try to come to Bosnia so they can enter the EU illegally and finding a balance in these sorts of situations can be very difficult. However, with the help of my honorary counsel in Sri Lanka I will do my best to assist Sri Lankans.