(SARAJEVO) - Bosnian Prime Minister Nikola Spiric welcomed on Tuesday the opening of a dialogue with the European Union on visa-free travel as a clear signal of the country's European perspective.

"It is good news for all our citizens ... I believe that this process will reinforce the European idea in Bosnia, but it also sends us a strong message that we have perspective in Europe," Spiric told journalists upon returning from Brussels.

The European Commission on Monday launched talks with Bosnia which are hoped to result in a visa-free regime for all the post-war country's citizens.

In coming weeks, the EU executive body is expected to outline a roadmap towards achieving that goal.

Spiric also expressed satisfaction that Bosnia got final confirmation from Brussels that it will sign a trade-and-aid agreement with the EU on June 16.

"I believe that this is our chance ... to step away from the past and to focus on the future," he said.

The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) is seen as a stepping stone towards eventual EU membership.

Agreed in December, the official signing of the document was only possible after Bosnian lawmakers adopted long-delayed police reforms in April.

Conditions for Bosnia to achieve the EU visa regime are expected to include the introduction of biometric passports, effective border management, and fight against corruption and illegal immigration.

As a first step towards visa liberalisation, Bosnia concluded last year a visa facilitation agreement with the EU aimed at lowering fees and shortening issuing times. The agreement came into force on January 1.

Bosnia was the last Balkan country to launch visa talks with the EU.

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