The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Denis Bećirović, stated today in Sarajevo that he expects representatives from Republika Srpska within state institutions to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in lifting visa requirements for the Republic of Kosovo, as reported by Radio Free Europe in Serbian, relayed by Express.
Bećirović commented on the decision of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who announced during a speech on October 14 at the Berlin Process Summit that from January 1, 2025, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina would be able to enter Kosovo with just an ID card.
“Following this state move by Mr. Kurti, I expect that within BiH, representatives in state institutions from the Republika Srpska entity will also help us take appropriate steps and fully implement the agreements that BiH signed as part of the Berlin Process,” Bećirović declared after meeting with Albanian President Bajram Begaj, who is visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Earlier this year, citizens of Kosovo achieved visa liberalization from the European Union, but still lack the freedom to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa due to opposition from representatives of the Republika Srpska entity.
In a press conference following President Begaj’s visit, Bećirović referred to Prime Minister Kurti as a “great friend” and described his move as “state-oriented” and “unusual in the region.”
“I believe this is important for all of Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the entire region, and we will send another important message with this,” said Bećirović, calling for the full implementation of the agreement signed by Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the Berlin Process.
The agreement, which would remove visa restrictions between Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing citizens of both countries to travel without visas, has yet to be ratified by the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ratification of the agreement is being blocked by Milorad Dodik.
