SARAJEVO
The leader of the Bosnian Party of Democratic Action (SDA), established by former Bosnian President Aliya Izetbegovic, Suleiman Tihic on Wednesday said that the more Turkey was strong politically and economically the more Bosnia-Herzegovina would be strong in the Balkans.
In an exclusive interview with the Anadolu Agency (AA), Suleiman Tihic said that Turkey's friendship was crucial for them.
"Turkey is always with us in all important matters. It is a nice feeling to have such a friend," Tihic stressed.
While he generally gives interviews in the press room of his political party, Tihic welcomed the AA correspondent in the room that was used by late Aliya Izetbegovic in the party building.
Tihic chose not to sit on the chair used by Izetbegovic and instead sat on a different chair.
"Relations between Turkey and Bosnia-Herzegovina are excellent. Bilateral relations develop each year. There is continuity in our relations with Turkey. Our relations, and especially economic ones, are rapidly getting better," Tihic noted.
The more strong Turkey is politically and economically the more strong Bosnia-Herzegovina would be in the Balkans. Turkey keeps good relations with not only Bosnia-Herzegovina but Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia as well. Turkey's good relations with Russia and the United States are beneficial for Bosnia-Herzegovina, Tihic indicated.
Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan had visited late Aliya Izetbegovic just before the latter passed away. That day, Izetbegovic entrusted Bosnia-Herzegovina to Erdogan, Tihic stated.
The friendship of Turkey, President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Erdogan, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu are highly important for us. Turkey always stood by us when important matters pertaining to Bosnia-Herzegovina were spoken. It is a nice feeling to have a friend like Turkey. We are never alone as long as Turkey is with us, Tihic underlined.
