Erdogan in Sarajevo promises multi-billion investment

Erdogan arrived in the Bosnian capital in what was officially described as a working visit, but the main event will be his speech before the thousands of Turks who have arrived in Sarajevo from Western European countries that have banned political gatherings on their land, Reuters reports.

Bosnia and Turkey's transport ministers signed a purpose document for the construction of the highway linking the two Balkan capitals, which is estimated to cost 3 billion euros, but has so far been blocked by Bosnian Serbs who oppose the path.

Erdogan said he expects the ministers will be hired for technical details by summer, when the tenders for road section construction will be opened. He added that such a large project would have to include loans from the Turkish bank Exim, Coha.net broadcasts.

Thousands of Turks have come from Germany, the Netherlands and Austria, but also from the Bosnian Balkans. Organisers said they expect up to 15 thousand people to come to the gathering.

“Turkey is our homeland”, says Coskun Celiloglu, a Macedonian student of Turkish descent. We came to Sarajevo just for one day to support our savior Erdogan”.

Police secured roads and filled the hall “Zeta Olympic”, where Erdogan's supporters waved Turkish and Bosnian flags.

If thousands of people coming from different parts of Europe cannot meet their leader who wants to hear it, that would not be right for me. Therefore, we will meet them here”, Erdogan said at a news conference.

A day before his visit, Turkish state news agency “Anadolu” reported that there is information from intelligence agencies about a potential attempt at Erdogan's murder until he stays in the Balkans.

Asked about this report, Erdogan said: “I heard this news and, indeed, I am here”, adding that information has come from the Turkish Intelligence Agency. “Threats and such operations cannot move us from this street”.