Borjana Krišto hosted the traditional Christmas reception at the BiH institutions building

(Patria) - BiH Council of Ministers Chairperson Borjana Krišto hosted the traditional Christmas reception this evening at the BiH institutions building in Sarajevo.

In her address to numerous guests from political, religious, and cultural life, Krišto, as Chairperson of the Council of Ministers and on behalf of all political representatives of Croats in the BiH institutions, welcomed everyone to the festive evening of Advent and the anticipation of the most joyous Christian holiday, Christmas.

- Four weeks of Advent remind us again of the fundamental spiritual values that make every human being human. If we were to summarize the meaning of Christmas in one word – it would be love. Without love – man has no joy. Without joy – man does not feel the blessing that we all need to be humble in life and to move forward with every challenge.

After every trial that befalls us, we are reminded again of how these divine gifts are the true values, especially during Christmas when we celebrate the birth of Christ and ennoble our spirit and our faith in a better future – said Krišto.

She recalled the words of Pope John Paul II that "in the mystery of Christmas, hope is rekindled in the human heart," sending a message to those who are in need and in hope.

- Bosnia and Herzegovina was recently hit by natural disasters when we witnessed how little it takes to lose your homes in an instant, and most sadly, to lose your loved ones.

We must all be united so that the hope we feel is fulfilled, and to help those who have lost their loved ones overcome these difficult moments. I wish that our thoughts from tonight's gathering are also with all those who are exposed to the horrors of conflicts and wars around the world.

We gathered here may not be able to make decisions at the global level or decisively influence them, but each of us can contribute a small part by showing through our own example that the essence of everyday life is based on simple principles.

This year has been full of challenges, various tests to show our maturity, especially democratic maturity, to seek solutions and make progress. However demanding it may seem, we have shown that our homeland BiH can and must move forward – said Krišto.



She noted that dedicated work and setting goals can yield good results recognizable in much wider contexts, reports Fena.

- In March of this year, we made the biggest historical step in building a European Bosnia and Herzegovina when we received a positive decision to open negotiations with the European Union.

The will and energy we showed then is a signpost in which direction we should go, but also confirmation and proof that we can indeed do great things. The present we are creating will influence the future of our homeland, and we must be aware of the responsibility we have. That responsibility excludes any of us creating an alibi for our actions.

A common goal must be sufficient motivation for all of us to rise above particular interests or the desire to present ourselves as greater patriots in this country. I responsibly claim that no one loves it to any extent or in any other way more than I do, and that I will not tire for a moment of bringing our homeland where it needs to be – said Krišto.

She recalled the foundations and key values on which the homeland of Bosnia and Herzegovina rests.

- Both our history and this year have shown us how much we can achieve together, and how much damage we inflict on each other through internal disagreements and turmoil. Doing harm while hoping for good has never been a path or a solution.

The three constituent peoples and other citizens of this country form the core of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its greatest wealth. Three pillars, three identities, constitute the uniqueness of our homeland, and each of them is equally strong and important. We are aware that we must inevitably overcome open political issues in the future through conversation and dialogue, and offer solutions ourselves, because it is unlikely that anyone else knows better, let alone can do it, than ourselves.

By enabling basic political rights, a combination of the collective and the individual, we are creating a European formula for new successes. The right to choose and be elected is the foundation of democracy that must be realized in its full constitutional and political capacity, which will also be our greatest democratic test.

Principles are always principles, and the overarching ones are the foundation and base from which everything begins. Tonight, I also want to emphasize the importance of the weave of unity for all of us gathered from Posavina, central Bosnia, to the very south of Herzegovina, along with all our friends and guests – said Krišto.

She concluded her address with the words: "May this Christmas, in the strength of unity, remind us of the true and fundamental values that each of us holds within ourselves, so that together we can continue to build a better tomorrow. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you a Merry Christmas with abundant God's blessings and a happy and successful year 2025."