The Alley of Ambassadors at Dariva welcomed its 251st linden tree as the Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Mohammed Meraimi, joined the Mayor of Stari Grad Municipality, Irfan Čengić, in a ceremonial tree-planting marking the enduring friendship between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Algeria.
The tree was planted in honor of Algeria’s Independence Day, celebrated on July 5, commemorating the country’s independence in 1962. The symbolic gesture continues a tradition that has represented peace, international cooperation and mutual respect among nations for more than two decades.
Stretching from Bentbaša to Dariva, the Alley of Ambassadors has, since 2002, brought together ambassadors and representatives of international organizations who each plant a linden tree as a lasting symbol of diplomatic friendship. The project has become a unique chronicle of Sarajevo’s international ties and commitment to peace.
Following the planting ceremony, Ambassador Meraimi received a certificate of participation and a commemorative brochure listing all diplomats who have contributed to the project since its establishment.
A working meeting was later held at the Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, where officials discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on expanding economic relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Algeria.
Mayor Irfan Čengić highlighted the untapped potential for stronger economic partnerships, pointing to the long-standing presence of Energoinvest in the Algerian market.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina and Algeria have friendly relations that should be further strengthened through concrete economic cooperation. Energoinvest has been one of the symbols of successful cooperation between our countries for decades, and I believe there is now room for new joint projects. The Municipality of Stari Grad is ready to contribute and participate in a Bosnia and Herzegovina–Algeria economic forum to connect our business communities and create new opportunities for cooperation,” Čengić said.
Ambassador Mohammed Meraimi expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and praised the significance of the Alley of Ambassadors initiative.
“It is a great honor for me to plant a linden tree together with Mayor Čengić today as a symbol of friendship and solidarity between our peoples,” Ambassador Meraimi said.
The visit concluded with a reception marking Algeria’s Independence Day, attended by members of the Algerian community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Algerian students, representatives of the business sector and numerous invited guests.
The ceremony was also attended by Chairman of the Stari Grad Municipal Council Seid Skaljić, Deputy Chairman Kerim Smailbegović and Energoinvest Director Mirza Ustamujić.
Each new linden tree planted in the Alley of Ambassadors stands as a lasting reminder of international friendship and cooperation, reinforcing Sarajevo’s identity as a city of openness, dialogue and peace.
