SARAJEVO - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday Turkey attached great importance to territorial integrity.
Erdogan, who is currently in Bosnian capital of Sarajevo, met Bosnian Chairman of Council of Ministers Nikola Spiric.
Following Erdogan`s tete-a-tete meeting with Spiric and bilateral talks between Turkish and Bosnian delegations, the two leaders held a joint press conference.
Erdogan said Turkish and Bosnian officials had quite fruitful meetings and they exchanged views on many issues.
"I expressed one more time the importance Turkey attaches to Bosnia-Herzegovina`s sovereignty, territorial integrity, internationally recognized borders and independence," Erdogan said.
"Turkey will continue to support Bosnia-Herzegovina, just like it has done so far," he added.
Erdogan also said a strong cooperation was needed in order to secure peace, stability and prosperity in Balkans.
Commenting on Aegean province of Izmir`s candidacy to host EXPO 2015 as well, Erdogan said Bosnia-Herzegovina would vote in favor of Izmir during the final voting to take place on March 31st.
Upon a question on his comments regarding the political status of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Erdogan said, "actually we support integration in this country. Division always brings weakness and makes countries lose blood."
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Meanwhile, Spiric thanked Turkey for its support and contributions to his country.
He said Bosnia-Herzegovina would work hard to improve its economic relations with Turkey.
Spiric also expressed his country`s support for Izmir`s EXPO 2015 bid.
Upon a question on whether Bosnia-Herzegovina would recognize Kosovo`s independence soon, Spiric said Kosovo issue was a serious and complicated matter and Bosnia-Herzegovina desired to be affected by such issue at minimum level.
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