Top Turkish diplomat meets Bosnia's Serbian leader

BANJA LUKA, BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (A.A) - 30.01.2011 - Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Saturday met with Milorad Dodik, president of Republika Srpska, one of the two entities making up Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Speaking at the meeting, Davutoglu said Turkey was a solid supporter of Bosnia-Herzegovina's territorial integrity, adding that his country was ready to make any contribution for Bosnia's stability.
"Bosnia-Herzegovina is the backbone of the stability of the Balkans and it is a test for everyone living in the region. The peaceful co-existence of Bosnians, Serbians and Croatians will be a major breakthrough not only for the Balkans but for all the humanity," Davutoglu said.       
The Turkish foreign minister said as the head of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe he conveyed his views over a planned constitutional amendment in Bosnia-Herzegovina, adding that the Council of Europe would support the country in solving its problems.  
Davutoglu also invited Dodik for a visit to Istanbul, Turkey.  
Dodik, on his part, said he welcomed Turkey's constructive efforts and the country's support to Bosnia-Herzegovina's integrity and the consensus of the peoples living in Bosnia-Herzegovina. 
"It is very important to hear from Turkey that it will support channels of dialogue between the nations of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Our common goal is to maintain a lasting peace on these soils. We are a partner for all countries including Turkey, which favors stability in Bosnia-Herzegovina," Dodik said.
Separately, Davutoglu also visited in Banja Luka, the construction site of the historical mosque of Ferhadiye, which was destroyed during the Bosnian war in 1993.
"Ferhadiye Mosque is our common cultural heritage and we are grateful to everyone who extended a helping hand to its reconstruction," Davutoglu told reporters in a meeting with the Banja Luka's mufti. 
Davutoglu proceeded to the city of Mostar after concluding his contacts in Banja Luka. 
In Mostar, Davutoglu met with leaders of Croatian political parties as well as Mostar Mufti Seyid Smaykic before departing from Bosnia-Herzegovina for Turkey.