Bosnia and Herzegovina Independence Day in Stockholm: Peace must always be preserved and defended, and never taken for granted

(Patria) - Stockholm hosted a diplomatic reception two days ago on the occasion of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day.

The event was organized in the Baroque Hall of the Historical Museum by the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Kingdom of Sweden, led by Ambassador Bojan Šošić.

Representatives from 44 embassies from six continents, members of the Swedish parliament, representatives of the institutions of the Kingdom of Sweden, the academic and cultural community, and numerous friends of BiH attended, writes Patria.

Ambassador Šošić addressed the attendees first, and you can read about what he specifically said at the link below.

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Ambassador Šošić at the reception in Stockholm: Political systems have changed, borders have shifted, but the idea of Bosnia has endured

(Patria) - A diplomatic reception was held in the Baroque Hall of the Historical Museum in Stockholm on March 3rd on the occasion of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day, organized by the BiH Embassy in Sweden. Representatives from 44 embassies from six continents attended the reception.

Following him, Carl Michael Gräns, Deputy Head of the Department for Europe and North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden, took the floor.

He began by stating that this event in Stockholm marks the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, declared in 1992 and recognized by Sweden in December of the same year.

It was a decision, Gräns said, that laid the foundation for a partnership built on friendship, solidarity, and shared values. This year, he added, will also mark over three decades of diplomatic relations between Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina.



- It is an exceptional honor for me to celebrate this close connection with you today, at this beautiful exhibition. Sweden greatly values the excellent relations and strong people-to-people ties that connect the two countries.

The large Bosnian diaspora in Sweden, numbering around 100,000 people, plays an important role in our society. It contributes to our cultural richness, strengthens our economic ties, and serves as a "living bridge" between our two nations - Gräns said.

According to him, about 40 Swedish companies operate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, many of which were founded by entrepreneurs from the Bosnian diaspora in Sweden.

- Our political dialogue has also continuously evolved. I would particularly like to recall the visit of the Speaker of our Parliament, Andreas Norlén, to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Malmer Stenergard, in July last year and her meeting with Minister Elmedin Konaković.

Stenergard also attended the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica - a moment of sorrow and remembrance. It reminded us all of the deepest extent of human suffering, but also of the exceptional resilience, dignity, and courage of the Bosnian people.

It also reminded us that peace must always be preserved and defended, and that it must never be taken for granted - emphasizes Gräns, writes Patria.



He points out that the need for close cooperation between countries with similar values has become even stronger in today's challenging security environment, marked primarily by the brutal Russian aggression against Ukraine.

- Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina are proudly among those who share a commitment to European values, international law, and human rights. We look forward to further deepening our cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina as a future member of the European Union.

Over the years, Sweden has been one of the largest bilateral financial supporters of reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina related to the European Union.

Because Europe, in its essence, is a promise: a promise of cooperation, peace, and democratic institutions that help us face the challenges ahead. In these times, Europe needs, more than ever, to stand together in strength and unity.



At the end of this brief address, I wish to express my personal gratitude to my friend, His Excellency Ambassador Bojan Šošić, for his and his team's efforts in improving relations between Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As we celebrate over 30 years of partnership, let us renew our commitment together to building an even stronger and more prosperous future - concluded Carl Michael Gräns in his address, writes Patria.