In a video message, Israeli Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his honor in addressing the audience at the opening ceremony of the Mostar Fair, highlighting the significance of the event.
"We are committed to peace, prosperity, and security. In Israel, we have developed a great economy and become an innovation nation. We want the same for the Balkans. You have entrepreneurship, initiative, and a vision for the future. We believe that together we can do even more with each of your countries, with Israeli technological capabilities and your own talents", said Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The Prime Minister added that Israel believes in the future and believes in Israeli cooperation with each of the countries in the Southeast European region:
"This will do great things for our countries and our people. I look forward to meeting with each of you to further develop this incredible fair".
Mr. Netanyahu also touched the issue of anti-Semitism, emphasizing the tragedy that even today, Jews around the world are having to face and endure terrible consequences.
“I know that you are all dedicated to fighting this scourge. But I also want to express special thanks to my friend Dragan Čović. Last June in Jerusalem, you promised to remove the names of streets in Mostar that were named after people associated with the Holocaust, and you are keeping that promise. I appreciate your act, which serves as an example to many around the world. I thank everyone and I am convinced that this International Business Fair in Mostar will stimulate new partnerships", said the Israeli Prime Minister.
"With its long tradition, the Mostar Fair has become a meeting place for all professional participants in the economy of our homeland, neighbouring countries, and beyond, as evidenced by the increasing partnerships with international corporations and countries," said Krišto.
The non-resident Ambassador of Israel to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Galit Peleg, stated that the Mostar Fair is a place of meetings, acquaintances, opportunities for partnerships, and new projects.
"We are here to do business. Our goal is to strengthen our relationship with sustainable economic partnerships that will surely lead to better relations in other sectors. It is a great honor for me to represent Israel as a partner country of the Mostar Fair. I would like to thank all our partners and wish us all a successful fair", said Ambassador Peleg.
Mr. Nermin Nikšić, the Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the need for initiatives that integrate, promote cooperation, and connect us during a time of increasing polarization both domestically and internationally. "The economy is certainly one of the key integrative factors in society. That's why the Mostar Fair is an important international event that deserves special attention and support from all stakeholders in the domestic and regional order. The presence of the prime ministers of neighbouring Serbia and Croatia, along with our Council of Ministers president, sends an important and serious message about understanding the need for our mutual cooperation for the common good of people on both sides," said Nikšić.
Mr. Andrej Plenković, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the State of Israel is a partner country of the Mostar Fair and congratulated the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence. "I am glad that today's fair is taking place in the context of an important changed circumstance for BiH, which is that since December last year, BiH has become a candidate country for EU membership. This is a big step forward, a new value for the whole country. For any progress of any country, society, or economy, it is necessary that political institutions ensure political stability. It is a prerequisite for any development. It is also important that democratic institutions are functional and reflect the will of the voters in the country," said Plenković.
Ms. Ana Brnabić, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, stated during the opening ceremony of the Fair that Serbia is once again, for the sixth year in a row, coming to the fair with its business delegation and expressed satisfaction with the effects achieved so far at the fair.
President of the Chamber of Commerce of the State of Israel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Amir Gross Kabiri, stated:
“The Mostar Fair serves as a platform for collaboration and innovation, fostering mutual growth and prosperity for all participating nations. The Chamber of Commerce of the State of Israel in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been working tirelessly over the past year with our partners both in Israel and in the Balkans, to deliver the most successful Mostar fair to date, and seeing it all finally come together brings a great sense of pride. I am confident that this year’s fair will be a milestone in the economic and strategic collaboration between our countries”.
Over 800 exhibitors from around 30 countries around the world will showcase their products and expertise and will establish new business and strategic partnerships during the Mostar Fair, which will open from today until Saturday.
Dnevnik.ba