Bosnia calls for greater cooperation in tourism with Sri Lanka

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Herzegovina is firmly placing itself on the map in global tourism markets, leaving behind its conflict-ridden past. The country, which maintains high standards in health and education fields, is projected to have the third highest tourism growth rate in the world and is considered one of the fastest growing economies in the region. With longstanding relations with Sri Lanka, Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador Dr. Sabit Subasic during a recent visit to Sri Lanka speaking to Daily FT called for improved trade relations focusing on tourism, sharing of resources and knowledge for promotion and exchanges between the two countries. Following are excerpts:

According to World Tourism Organization, Bosnia is one of the fast-growing destinations in the world. We are third fastest growing tourism destination in the world. I know that tourism in Sri Lanka is booming and it should be improving much more. I think we should have more cooperation in the area of tourism cooperation, more exchange of ideas. Sri Lanka needs more facilities and infrastructure for tourism, so I think it would be better to establish more cooperation in that area to improve tourism promotion in both countries. Apart from that we have to improve tourism exchange to increase the number of Bosnian tourists visiting Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans visiting Bosnia. We have established links with the Sri Lankan tourism industry and in Bosnia we are working towards this and we will see what we can do

I would like to have more cooperation with the two ministries of the two countries. To create the capacity of the two countries, we have huge potential. We are in discussion with dignitaries with the Sri Lanka tourism industry and I suggested exchanges of officials to explore new ideas between the two countries

I would love to have more cooperation in the area of education, in terms of student exchanges – that is an excellent instrument for improving bilateral relations; students are excellent ambassadors for countries

By Chathuri Dissanayake

Q: Can you tell me about current relations between Sri Lanka and Bosnia?

A: We are very similar countries for different reasons. One of the most important is that that we are both beautiful countries, with natural beauty. Another similarity is that we very rich histories, many monuments and a long history of existence. The third reason is that we are both multicultural, we have different religions in Bosnia like in Sri Lanka, we have different ethnic groups in Bosnia like in Sri Lanka, and we are trying to harmonise different ethnic groups and like in Sri Lanka, it is an advantage to have a multi-ethnic country. Similar to Sri Lanka we also have an unfortunate past, we had an internal conflict. But a similar thing and a very positive thing is that both countries have overcome the past and we are creating a bright future and we have good economic perspectives.

We have economic prosperity in both countries, and like Sri Lanka, Bosnia is one of the fastest growing economies in our region. So these are the similarities we have that are very particular. Because of the similarities we can share our experiences and we can use those opportunities much more than what we are doing now. We have to do much more in economic partnerships and we have to do much more in cultural exchange, sports and education exchange as well. 

Q: Are there any specific areas that you are looking at for more engagement with Sri Lanka?

A: One point which is important – according to World Tourism Organization, Bosnia is one of the fast growing destinations in the world. We are third fastest growing tourism destination in the world. I know that tourism in Sri Lanka is booming and it should be improving much more. I think we should have more cooperation in the area of tourism cooperation, more exchange of ideas. Sri Lanka needs more facilities and infrastructure for tourism, so I think it would be better to establish more cooperation in that area to improve tourism promotion in both countries. Apart from that we have to improve tourism exchange to increase the number of Bosnian tourists visiting Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans visiting Bosnia. We have established links with the Sri Lanka tourism industry and in Bosnia we are working towards this and we will see what we can do.

I would like to have more cooperation with the two ministries of the two countries. To create the capacity of the two countries, we have huge potential. We are in discussion with dignitaries with the Sri Lanka tourism industry and I suggested exchanges of officials to explore new ideas between the two countries.

I would love to have more cooperation in the area of education, in terms of student exchanges – that is an excellent instrument for improving bilateral relations; students are excellent ambassadors for countries. 

Q: In terms of trade relations for the two countries other than tourism?

A: Relations between the two countries are not new ones. When we were former Yugoslavia too we had good relations as former Yugoslavia and Sri Lanka had excellent relations, during the time then Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike used to visit. In some periods we had better trade relations. The conflicts in both our countries slowed trade relations, but there are so many opportunities to improve. I think that tourism is the best way to improve trade relations; people should come and see what Sri Lanka can offer. Now that we have had established the honorary consulate in Sri Lanka, trade relations can improve. 

Q: Considering that both countries have had conflicts, is there any mechanism for sharing lessons learned in terms of reconciliation?

A: I agree both countries have a lot to share, it is a good opportunity. We have to share experiences much more and we can learn from each other. We are in process of reconciliation and so is Sri Lanka. Our results are different from Sri Lanka, we can learn from Sri Lankan experience and this country can learn from Bosnia. We will work hard to establish some link to learn from each.

 Q: How do you see Sri Lanka and Bosnia and Herzegovina relations in the future?

A: Bosnia has always supported Sri Lanka at multilateral level, and we have had good relations always and we should continue. We should have high-level visitor exchanges and I have been talking to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka two years ago and we have been discussing his visit to Bosnia. He is very keen, we have already sent an invitation for him and we will see what happens.

I will push as much as possible for high dignitaries from Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit Sri Lanka, because the most efficient way for establishing concrete bilateral relations is for high level dignitaries to visit, prime minister, president or minister of foreign affairs. For such you have to prepare, such as bilateral agreements that need to be put in place.

Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera