COOPERATION WITH BEIJING HAS ENORMOUS POTENTIAL

SARAJEVO, SEPTEMBER 8 /SRNA/ - Chinese projects in energy and transport, as well as in the construction of hospitals, have brought real benefits to the population of BiH, and future cooperation between the two countries has enormous potential, Chinese Ambassador to BiH Li Fan told SRNA.

"The total value of trade in goods between BiH and China from January to July this year is 46.5 percent higher than in the same period last year," Li emphasized.

She noted that China is BiH's largest trading partner in Asia, pointing out that within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the China–Central and Eastern European Countries Cooperation Mechanism, the two countries have achieved fruitful economic and trade cooperation.

In an interview with SRNA, Li assessed that over the past 30 years, bilateral relations have made remarkable progress, as they are based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit.

"China and BiH are countries with different civilizations, but these differences are not an obstacle to communication, rather an advantage in bringing us closer," Li said.

She pointed out that the relations between China and BiH are an example of friendly relations and joint development between countries of different sizes, histories, cultural development, and social systems.

"BiH adheres to the One China principle and has consistently supported China on issues concerning its core interests," Li emphasized.

IMPROVE COOPERATION IN CULTURE

Li emphasized that she is satisfied with the cooperation between China and BiH in the fields of culture and education, noting that it should be even more ambitious.

"So far, the Tianjin University of Technology and Education and the University of Banja Luka have established the Confucius Institute in this city, while the University of Istočno Sarajevo and the University of Banja Luka have founded departments of Sinology," she said.

She added that the Northwest Pedagogical University and the University of Sarajevo jointly established the Confucius Institute in Sarajevo.

Regarding cooperation in the field of tourism, Li emphasized that the total number of tourists from BiH visiting China remains relatively small. Still, thanks to the mutual visa abolition policy, Chinese tourists are showing increasing enthusiasm for traveling to BiH.

"In the first half of this year, the number of Chinese tourists coming to BiH increased by 54.7 percent compared to the previous year. We want to continue strengthening exchanges and cooperation between China and BiH in various ways, such as introducing direct flights, sending more delegations, and enriching training programs, all to enhance mutual understanding and the friendship between the peoples of our two countries," Li said.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - ONE OF THE AREAS OF COOPERATION

Li pointed out that one area in which cooperation between BiH and China is possible is artificial intelligence, noting that the rectors of several universities in BiH have expressed a desire to develop collaboration in this field.

"Many universities in BiH and China have artificial intelligence centers, and there is enormous potential for cooperation between the two sides. Artificial intelligence technology can help younger generations become high-tech specialists and achieve their dreams," the Chinese ambassador said.