Foreign Affairs Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Igor Crnadak said decision of Kosovo and Albania to boycott the summit in Sarajevo represents an implementation of announced joint foreign policy of Pristina and Tirana.

Crnadak made these remarks to Sarajevo-based Klix portal, adding that Kosovo delegation recently submitted visa request which points out there was obviously an intention to attend the summit.

“We have processed the request and issued visas to Pacolli and his delegation. What happened in the meantime I do not know; however, this is the first time since I am participating at these meetings within South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) and Western Balkans that one meeting is boycotted and intentionally not attended,” Crnadak said.

According to him he is surprised over the news that the Albanian delegation also cancelled its arrival to Sarajevo on 8 and 9 July, saying “it is very incorrect.”

“I do not know what they solidarize with? We have invited orderly, in line with SEECP standards, Pristina delegation. What Albania did, I can only conclude it is being implemented what they have announced recently, a joint Pristina and Tirana foreign policy.

Asked to what extent the absence of Albania and Kosovo would impact South-East European Cooperation Process and what message is sent to the regional cooperation, Crnadak responded it is not a message to Bosnia and Herzegovina but rather to the European Union.

“I think this is a serious blow to the process of cooperation, but the public must know that what happens is not a message to Bosnia and Herzegovina but rather to the European Union,” Crnadak assessed.