Bećirović in the Vatican: Holy See Strongly Supports Bosnia and Herzegovina

(Patria) - Member of the BiH Presidency Denis Bećirović spoke with the Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

During the talks within the official visit to the Holy See, Dr. Bećirović informed his interlocutors about the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was stated that bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Holy See are very friendly, and it was emphasized that this influential state will continue to provide strong support to Bosnia and Herzegovina as a multi-ethnic state.

Dr. Denis Bećirović said that Bosnia and Herzegovina is committed to the principles, values, and goals on which the European Union is based. He emphasized that the integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the EU and NATO, as well as regional cooperation, are strategic foreign policy goals of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said that in thirty years of diplomatic relations, the Holy See has continuously supported the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also emphasized that support for Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards European integration will continue.

The Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, said that during his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 2022, he became convinced that tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation among different peoples and religions are very important for Bosnia and Herzegovina for the sake of the common good.

Regarding the escalation of violence in the Middle East, Dr. Denis Bećirović said that he condemns all forms of violence, especially when innocent civilians are killed. He emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina had called for a just peace between Israel and Palestine even before the escalation of the latest wave of violence, and expressed his conviction that this is the only long-term solution.

Within the framework of future cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Holy See, discussions were also held on continuing activities to connect the Archives of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Vatican Archives, strengthening the implementation of scientific projects, and cooperation between pontifical and Bosnian-Herzegovinian universities.