Embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden Mark Nordic Day in Sarajevo

(Patria) - The embassies of the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, the Kingdom of Norway and Sweden, together with hundreds of partners, colleagues and friends, jointly marked Nordic Day today in the botanical garden of the National Museum in Sarajevo.

Cooperation between these four countries today serves as an example of exceptionally positive interstate collaboration.

- We are proud of the cooperation and solutions that have emerged from Nordic cooperation. Despite historical conflicts and border changes, today we are one of the most prosperous regions in the world, primarily thanks to our strong integration.

We use our geographical, historical and cultural closeness to face common challenges and encourage regional and global cooperation - said the Swedish Ambassador to BiH, Helena Lagerlöf.

The Norwegian Ambassador, Katrine Biering, emphasised that Nordic cooperation is also focused on common security and prosperity.

- Just as in the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Nordic countries must continuously develop industry, create new jobs and protect the environment. Investing in young people is key to success.

The numerous BiH diaspora in our countries also plays an important role in strengthening trade relations and economic growth. Their knowledge and expertise are deeply valued and represent a great wealth - added Ambassador Biering.

She also noted that security is a prerequisite for all citizens to enjoy prosperity.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, these four countries jointly support reform processes on the country's path to the European Union.

- Denmark will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1 this year. Our wish is that Bosnia and Herzegovina, 30 years after the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement and 30 years after the genocide in Srebrenica, continues to make concrete progress on its European path for the benefit of all its citizens - said the Danish Ambassador, Åge Sandal Møller.

While highlighting their shared commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single state with its multi-ethnic character, these countries also expressed deep concern over recent events in the entity of Rs and the secessionist statements and moves by the leadership of this entity.

- We are convinced that regional cooperation in the Western Balkans would be very beneficial for all, just as we Nordics enjoy the advantages of working together in our region - concluded the Finnish Ambassador, Kalle Kankaanpää.

The Nordic countries will therefore continue to support political action that puts citizens first and whose interest is for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a stable and healthy democracy, founded on the rule of law, protected by strong institutions and an active, engaged civil society.