The Head of the Political Department of the British Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ed Miles, and Amra Salkić, Political Advisor, paid an official visit to the Zenica-Doboj Canton today. On that occasion, they held separate meetings with the leaders of the Cantonal Government – Prime Minister Nezira Pivić, Minister of Finance Dženana Čišija and Minister of Justice and Administration Nebojša Nikolić – and the leadership of the ZDK Assembly – Chairman Ćazim Huskić and deputies Goran Bulajić and Dejan Kovačević.
The first meeting was also attended by the head of the ZDK Anti-Corruption Office, Dževad Fejzić.
Representatives of the British Embassy pointed out that the goal of regular visits to cantons and local communities is to gain a complete insight into current political, economic and social developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They emphasized the importance of an open dialogue with the authorities on topics of interest to the canton, the city and the region, and familiarization with local priorities. They also presented the key priorities of the Embassy, as well as projects and funds that could enable mutual cooperation in the future.
During the conversation, the topics of credible investments, education and the fight against corruption were highlighted, as well as the importance of the discussion on state property. It was emphasized that the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the road to the European Union and the NATO alliance is extremely important, and that the United Kingdom remains strongly committed to supporting the security, stability and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Prime Minister Nezir Pivić informed the delegation about the current situation in the Zenica-Doboj Canton and the key activities and plans of the Government. He pointed out that security, stability and development are the fundamental priorities of the cantonal policy. In the past two years, a significant number of projects important for the citizens of ZDK have been implemented.
The Chairman of the Assembly Ćazim Huskić introduced the guests to the work of the Assembly, stressing that, despite the large number of political options in the majority, the Assembly functions stably and efficiently. He pointed out that the Collegium of the Assembly adopts agendas unanimously, that key laws are usually adopted unanimously or by a large majority, and that there are no obstructions in the work. He especially emphasized that all 35 representatives of the ZDK Assembly work as volunteers, which is a unique example in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Deputy Speaker Dejan Kovačević pointed out that, although he is not part of the parliamentary majority, he actively participates in the work of the Assembly. He emphasized that representatives often have different opinions, but that the working atmosphere is open and fair and allows everyone to express their views.
Deputy Speaker Goran Bulajić emphasized that there are no boycotts, obstructions or attempts to block work in the work of the Assembly, which enables continuous and efficient functioning. He expressed satisfaction that such an approach was recognized by international partners.
The position of the leadership of the Assembly is that state property must be the property of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that the model of its use and disposal at lower levels of government needs to be precisely regulated by law.
Among the priorities of the ZDK Government, the strengthening of the health sector stands out, with a focus on the Zenica Cantonal Hospital as the most important health institution in the canton. The Prime Minister reminded that this is a generational project for the construction of the new building of the Zenica Cantonal Hospital, the value of which exceeds 500 million KM. Funds were secured for the first phase of the project through a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), donations, as well as allocations from the ZDK Budget.
Prime Minister Pivić emphasized that the fight against corruption is the focus of the current Government, and that through a comprehensive approach, the aim is to strengthen citizens’ trust in institutions and ensure full transparency of the processes taking place in the canton.
The Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Assembly expressed their gratitude to the Government of the United Kingdom for its continuous support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that they want the United Kingdom to remain an important partner and friend, and that the Zenica-Doboj Canton will continue to work on projects that are important for the future of the country and its citizens.
Press service of ZDK
