Traditional Christmas Concert of the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina Held in Sarajevo

(Patria) - Deputy Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Policy and Plans Slaven Galić, together with the Archbishop of Vrhbosna and Apostolic Administrator of the Military Ordinariate in BiH, Monsignor Tomo Vukšić, tonight hosted the traditional Christmas Concert of the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, held at the Armed Forces of BiH Hall in Sarajevo.

In a one-hour programme, in the presence of the Minister of Defence of BiH Zukan Helez and the Deputy Minister of Defence of BiH for Resource Management Aleksandar Goganović, as well as the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of BiH, Lieutenant General Senad Mašović, and his deputies Major General Ivica Jerkić and Gojko Knežević, along with high-ranking guests from the country's public and cultural life, the Military Orchestra of the Armed Forces of BiH and guests performed works from classical and entertainment repertoire on the theme of the Catholic holiday of Christmas.

Among the guests of the Christmas Concert were also the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of BiH Borjana Krišto and state ministers, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH Dragan Čović, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH Marinko Čavara, the President of the Federation of BiH Lidija Bradara, the EUFOR Commander Major General Helmut Habermayer, assistants to the Minister of Defence of BiH, and members of the General Corps of the Armed Forces of BiH.

The event was also attended by members of the diplomatic corps accredited to BiH, as well as representatives of international organisations, religious communities, and associations of veterans from the Homeland War.

- The Christmas season always reminds us anew that through our daily actions and behaviour we must advocate even more strongly for strengthening dialogue and responsibility, solidarity and tolerance in society and the community that surrounds us, but only with sincere feelings towards one another. The time ahead should be used in such a way.

A gathering like this tonight is yet another strong message of the need for joint work and investment in our common future and the future of our children, and this Christmas season is precisely an opportunity to encourage each other in that regard.

In our homeland, diversity is everyday and surrounds us everywhere, but despite this, strengthening trust among people and nations should be our obligation this Christmas and a routine in 2024 - Deputy Minister Galić said on this occasion.

Monsignor Tomo Vukšić extended his best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Christmas, regardless of the diversity of their duties, names, affiliations, beliefs, ranks, or levels of responsibility.

- I pray to the Lord God to bestow upon all people and nations the virtue of patience and mutual trust, and to bless them with responsibility for the common good and respect for the life and dignity of every person.

Lord God, thank You for again granting us numerous friends... We know that we are all, as Your creatures, equal before You, and that we are brothers and sisters to one another, called to goodness and holiness.

Thank You for all good people... Transform us all into permanent instruments and builders of goodness, good relations, trust, peace, and hope - Vukšić emphasised in his address.

Alongside the Military Orchestra of the Armed Forces of BiH, under the baton of Maestro Josip Popović and Lieutenant Filip Milošević, the vocal group "Lašvanske dive" and vocal soloists Magdalena Bogić, Lucija Pervan, Slaven Čović, Ilijana Budimir Trupina, Tomislav Čorić, and guitarist Josip Vukoja also performed.

After the concert, a reception was also held.