On Monday, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Matthew (Matt)Field visited the International Burch University and gave a guest lecture to the students and academic staff of this University.
At the presentation, the ambassador referred to the current events in our country and the world, and how current challenges on the global political scene can be turned into an opportunity for BiH.
”In the past two weeks, we have seen events that have completely transformed the world. In Ukraine, we have terrible events that are unfortunately not unique in the world, but the way in which the international community reacted is unique. In response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, extensive economic sanctions, support in armaments have been introduced, and also a great concern for the upcoming refugee crisis has been shown, ” Ambassador Field mentioned in the introduction.
The war in Ukraine is fundamentally changing the world, and the consequences can certainly be felt in BiH. Our country is often mentioned in international circles, and the very arrival of additional EUFOR forces has raised many dilemmas and questions.
Ambassador Field emphasized that BiH has great support from the UK and explained that there is no reason for concern.
”I am often asked if there will be a war in BiH. In public transport, at a rugby match, passers-by ask me the same thing as I walk up the mountain and my answer is always the same, no! But that is not my decision, it must be a joint effort and intention of all. The UK is ready to do more if needed, to prevent that from happening. EUFOR has withdrawn its reserves in BiH and you can see more of them on the streets now. On the one hand, it is disturbing for the people who live here, but it is also positive news because it shows the commitment of the international community to this country,” Field pointed out.
Also, the ambassador referred to the opportunities for our country to progress towards the European Union (EU)membership in this situation, and noted that it would not be enough just to express the desire to be accepted as a member, but that it will still be necessary to show positive progress.
”What we need to focus on is creating a better life for citizens. The rate of young people leaving this country is dangerous, especially if we take into account that educated, successful people with good jobs leave the country together with their families because they do not want their children to grow up here. We must change that urgently. Political representatives should focus on improving living conditions, providing a better economic outlook, reducing corruption and all forms of illegal activities that undermine BiH’s development and progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration. Apart from that, elections must be held, and in the long run, in the light of this crisis, we are all looking for a way to reduce Russia’s influence in BiH and in the Western Balkans, ” stated Ambassador Field.
