Bećirović addressed the "Reconstruction of Ukraine" Summit: BiH went through aggression, we stand in solidarity with Ukraine

(Patria) - Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Denis Bećirović is participating in the Summit in Berlin on the topic "Reconstruction of Ukraine", where he addressed the attendees.

"Our presence in Berlin today is a sign, above all, of undoubted support for the heroic people of independent and sovereign Ukraine. The defense of Ukraine is a common interest of all democratic states in Europe and the world. The foreign policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina is based on the Constitution, laws, and other official documents of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

They clearly state that we advocate for respect for international law, equality, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of peaceful cooperation. Among other things, for this reason, we strongly support the independence,
sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Today, more than ever, it is necessary to support Ukraine in its just fight for freedom," said Bećirović.

In his speech, he emphasized that the competent authorities of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina have condemned the Russian aggression against
Ukraine as an act of violation of international law.

"After the Russian aggression, Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the positions of the European Union (EU) in which strong support for Ukraine is expressed. Solidarity and unified support for Ukraine are of fundamental importance for the entire democratic and free world. Bosnia and Herzegovina fully understands the suffering and destruction that Ukraine is going through.

My country was a victim of brutal aggression from 1992 to 1995, during which genocide was committed against Bosniaks in Srebrenica. No country in Europe, in the second half of the 20th century, suffered such great destruction as Bosnia and Herzegovina.

After the war, GDP fell to about 25% of the pre-war value, industrial production decreased by over 90%, and unemployment reached between 70 and 80%.

However, with the help of our allies, we have recovered and are ready to share our experiences of post-war recovery with friendly Ukraine. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine belong to the community of free and democratic states.

Together, we share a vision of a world where peace, freedom, justice, and human dignity are fundamental values. Our solidarity with Ukraine stems from a deep understanding of the importance of preserving these values. Bosnia and Herzegovina can be a reliable ally in the reconstruction of Ukraine. We are ready to share our experiences, knowledge, and resources regarding the construction and reconstruction of Ukraine. Our experience and experts in prosecuting criminals, as well as identifying missing persons, can be useful.

Our demining teams are among the best in the world. From 1996 to 2023, about 84,000 different types of mines and about 71,000 other explosive devices from the war were found and destroyed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are ready
to provide assistance in training, as well as in the removal of mines and unexploded ordnance.

Humanitarian and other assistance to the people of Ukraine, as well as assistance to displaced Ukrainian populations around the world, are of great importance. The protection of civilians is one of the most important tasks. Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to express solidarity with Ukraine.

The state authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina will remain consistent in supporting the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Bosnia and Herzegovina will always be with those who fight for justice, peace, and human dignity," said Bećirović.