Bilateral and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) are set to embark on a new era of economic co-operation in diverse sectors after President General Pervez Musharraf's recent visit to that country.
With his briefcase full of business offers, President Musharraf and the tens of Pakistani business tycoons accompanying him, held fruitful talks with their Bosnian colleagues about ample business opportunities in Pakistan.
The President was accorded a warm welcome and showered all the respects and love by the Bosnian people as both countries enjoy remarkable bilateral and fraternal ties, spanning over more than a decade. During the visit, he met with the members of BH Presidency, the Chair of BH Council of Ministers, members of BH Inter-Religious Council, addressed BH Parliament and visited Tuzla and Potocari where he paid homage to the victims of genocide in Srebrenica.
As extensively reported by Bosnian media, the visit was termed as a milestone in bilateral relation with Pakistan setting itself open for Bosnia and Herzegovina industry after the agreement on military co-operation, air traffic and establishment of a joint economic commission. The media also reported the visit as 'of great political importance' describing President Musharraf as one of the ten most influential world leaders.
"I agree that political and diplomatic relations are very good but in 21st century they should be accompanied by other co-operation, and in that sense economic co-operation should be better, particularly trade and joint investments," the Bosnian media reported President Musharraf as saying. "The private sector will define the interests and fields of co-operation and we will help realise of business co-operation," the Dnevni Avaz reported.
"With Bosnia and Herzegovina, we can cooperate in military issues. That is where Pakistan achieved success, and we would like to cooperate with BiH," the President said during his visit. Three agreements were signed between the two countries to further deepen and cement economic ties as Musharraf held meetings with Directors of some factories and trade chambers for BiH.
Pakistan equally shared the grief of Bosnian people during genocide bySerbia more than a decade back as they suffered unforgettable miseries and untold agonies that continue to haunt their minds. At the national theatre, the President presented BH translation of his memoirs 'In the Line of Fire' where he among others, evoked the memories of his stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a member of Pakistani Blue Helmets.
"I was in Bosnia in 1993 as a General of Pakistan Army in charge of military operations. It was obvious that some countries did not want us to come. But we came and helped the best we could," the President reminisced during an interaction with Bosnian media.
"My autobiography is my contribution to history of our age. It is also my own story written in my own way, the story about tempestuously and rich full life where luck and destiny had a biggest role," the President stated.
He also visited Tuzla and offered fateha at Kapija paying tributes to 71 victims killed by Chetniks criminals on May 25, 1995. "I respect your courage and appreciate that in spite of everything you preserved your identity. We are proud that we were here and partly helped you in this," Musharraf observed during his visit to the place.
Greeted by large number of citizens, the President said, "We are proud of what Pakistani battalion did. It is part of our endeavour to help humanity. We realised that in that moment the help was needed and we came to help our Muslim brothers." "Out hearts beat with yours. We would like to do something here to remind you always on our brotherly feelings," he added.
The President pointed out that great historical experiences in multi-religious community in spite of conflicts of the 90s, are making BiH well qualified to be an example of religious harmony across the world.
He emphasised courage for 'compromise and reconciliation' and then against 'aggression and violence' and for promoting the inter-faith harmony, when he met with the representatives of BH Inter-Religious Council.
Head of the Council, Mustafa ef Ceric was much endowed to President Musharraf. "I am extremely happy that I have an opportunity to listen to the wisdom of Pakistani President," Rais Ceric observed. Addressing the BH Parliament, Musharraf took stock of the global political situation and said that it was a dangerous threat to describe Islam as a source of terrorism.
"Essence and centre of terrorism are political confrontations and poverty as well as illiteracy. We can fight terrorism only if we are fighting with that inducements," he told the BiH Parliament.
For memorable services in rehabilitation of 2005 earthquake victims in Pakistan, President Musharraf decorated Dr Nedret Mukkanovic, Dr Faris Gavrankapetanovic and Hajrudin Sahic with the 'Star of Sacrifice'. The medal of sacrifice was presented to 46 doctors and medical staff. Sarajevo philharmonic orchestra marked the visit by holding a gala concert--as Fena transmitting, in the honour of President and the First Lady Sehba Musharraf.
Towards the end, the Deputy Mayor of Sarajevo, Josip Jurisic, presented 'Monograph of Sarajevo' and the badge of the city of Sarajevo. By all means, the visit of President Musharraf to BH was successful, and would set new course for broadened economic, diplomatic and political ties on sustained and sound footing.