Ambassador Reilly presented credentials: Support for BiH's sovereignty, stability, and security

(Patria) - The newly appointed Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Julian Reilly, today presented his credentials to the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Šefik Džaferović.

In his address, Ambassador Reilly emphasized that the Government of the United Kingdom is a long-standing friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina and all its citizens.

"Our shared commitment to that friendship is even more important at a time when European security and values are facing a new and direct threat," said Ambassador Reilly.

He expressed his determination to continue building the long and close ties between the United Kingdom and Bosnia and Herzegovina and his conviction that Bosnia and Herzegovina has a bright future ahead.

Ambassador Reilly said: "I commit to working together with you, and other members of the Presidency, as well as all levels of government in BiH with the aim of supporting the sovereignty, stability, and security of all citizens of this wonderful country, and supporting the Euro-Atlantic path they have chosen. As the elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina approach, I assure you of the United Kingdom's full support for all citizens and institutions working to enable this crucial expression of democratic will. The swift implementation of results and the formation of cooperative governments will be equally important for maintaining voter confidence. At the beginning of the year, I had the good fortune to improve my knowledge of your language by living with families in Trebinje and Mostar. Through them, I have already discovered some of the talent and potential of the country's citizens, and the importance of working together to build sustainable prosperity for all. The United Kingdom is committed to working with political leaders, official institutions, companies, and civil society to help build that economic security, promote stronger trade, investment, and partnership between our countries – which is the foundation for shared security, stability, and prosperity."

Ambassador Reilly was appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina following the completion of Mr. Matt Field's term. He was most recently the UK's Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, and throughout his career, he has worked extensively in East Africa and the Middle East, focusing on security, stability, and prosperity.

In the period 2013-2014, he served as Deputy Head of Mission and Director of Trade and Investment (UKTI) at the British Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Previously, he worked on Western Balkan issues as Deputy Head of the Western Balkans and EU Enlargement Department, 2010-2013. Before that, he spent four years as Head of the Political Department in Moscow. He joined the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office after graduating from the University of Edinburgh, where he studied literature and art history. He is married and, with his wife, continues to follow music and art, and enjoy mountains and seas.