Helez at Bayram Reception in Sarajevo: Our Diversity Has Never Been a Weakness, but Our Greatest Wealth

(Patria) - Deputy Chair of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defence of BiH Zukan Helez hosted today at the building of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina the traditional Bayram reception on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Addressing numerous guests from public, political, religious and social life, he expressed satisfaction that Bayram is being celebrated in an atmosphere of unity, mutual respect and appreciation.

He extended sincere Bayram greetings to all believers celebrating this holiday, while thanking the present guests for their attendance and contribution to the atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding that marked the reception.

- Bayram is a time of joy, unity, forgiveness and open doors. A time when we remind ourselves that the true values of every society are respect, understanding and care for people.

That is precisely why I am especially pleased that tonight, in one place, people of different beliefs, traditions and responsibilities are gathering, but with a common desire to build a stable, dignified and peaceful society - said Helez.

He also emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina throughout its history has been a meeting place of different cultures, religions and identities.

- Our diversity has never been a weakness. On the contrary, it is our greatest wealth. For centuries, mosques, churches and synagogues have been preserved and built together in these areas.

Recently, during the restoration of a mosque that I initiated, I became convinced once again how deeply rooted that mutual connection is among our people.

Among the most generous donors were precisely our fellow citizens of Catholic faith. That is the true picture of BiH, a picture of people who respect each other and who know that a neighbour's sanctuary is a value to be cherished just as much as one's own. We have an obligation to preserve that heritage.

Today, perhaps more than ever, it is important not to allow further divisions among people. Unfortunately, there are many who build their political and public careers precisely on divisions, fear and constant insistence on differences.

But the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina show something completely different. Our people want peace, a dignified life, mutual respect and a secure future for their children.

People are much closer to each other than it often appears through political messages and daily conflicts we are exposed to - said Helez.

He added that it is a special responsibility of political representatives to choose dialogue instead of conflict, understanding instead of divisions and cooperation instead of closing themselves within their own frameworks.

- Bosnia and Herzegovina can progress only as a society of mutual respect and equality. A country where everyone will have the right to preserve their faith, tradition and identity, but also the obligation to respect those of others.

That is not only a political or social need, it is a civilizational value that we must leave to future generations - Minister Helez emphasized at the end.

Numerous guests enjoyed the appropriate programme of the Bayram reception, and among the attendees were the highest representatives of domestic and international institutions and organizations, representatives of the military-diplomatic corps, as well as many figures from public, social and cultural life.