Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Internal Trade and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajic spoke today with Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) Mirko Sarovic about taking a joint stance towards the EU in the processes of adaptation of the stabilisation and association agreements (SAA) of the two countries that are to take place due to Croatia’s withdrawal from CEFTA and entry into the EU.

Ljajic and Sarovic agreed that the proposal of the EU to modify these agreements is unacceptable for the two states.

Specifically, that means that Serbia no longer accepts the import of cigarettes from Croatia under privileged conditions, which also applies to the import of a large number of products from Croatia to BiH.

The ministers will stick to this stance, which they will convey to the competent authorities of the EU.

Ljajic and Sarovic agreed to continue to coordinate their positions regarding the issues related to the processes of adaptation of the SAA of the two countries with the EU, and to have a joint participation in the cases when it is necessary to protect interests of the economies of the two countries in relations with the EU, reads a statement by the Office of the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Internal Trade and Telecommunications.