Turkish deputy PM receives Bosnian journalists

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc received on Wednesday the Bosnian journalists paying a visit to Turkey as the guest of Anadolu Agency (AA). Turkish Deputy PM Arinc held a meeting with the delegation of journalists, involving Bosniac, Serbian and Croatian journalists and television managers, at the Prime Ministry Office as part of the program organized by AA Balkans Regional Directorate, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and Turkish Airlines. Arinc praised AA's recent efforts towards publishing news in 5 foreign languages, particularly its news covering and addressing all Balkan countries. Stressing the deep-rooted bilateral relations of Turkey with Balkan countries, Arinc mentioned the historical, geographical and cultural common ground on which Turkey and the Balkan region unite. Arinc noted, reminding the Balkan Wars back in 1900s, "As the 100th anniversary of Balkan Wars marks the recent days, I must say that Turkey is a country learning from its past undesiriously of repeating those fights and clashes." Arinc described Turkey's aim towards Balkan region as only maintaining peace and tranquility in the region. "Turkey respects the political sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Balkan countries. We would like to establish serious and honest relations with the region, at all levels such as inter-governmental, inter-parliamentary and between peoples," he stated. Touching upon the misinformation on the international media concerning Taksim Gezi Park protests in Turkey and the following incidents, Arinc also highlighted that the world needs honest and objective press and journalists. He underscored AA's sense of journalism with its principles, honesty and speed. AA Director General and Chairman of the Board Kemal Ozturk and TIKA President Serdar Cam also attended the meeting. The delegation of Bosnian journalists were also received by Turkish Presidency earlier in the day at Cankaya Presidential Palace with a luncheon.