In recognition of the long-standing ties and cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the embassies of the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, the Kingdom of Norway and Sweden in Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with hundreds of partners, colleagues and friends, jointly celebrated Nordic Day in the Botanical Garden of the National Museum in Sarajevo.
Today, the cooperation between these four countries serves as an example of exceptionally positive interstate cooperation.
“We are proud of the cooperation and solutions that have emerged from Nordic cooperation. Despite historical conflicts and border changes, today we are one of the most prosperous regions in the world, primarily due to our strong integration. We use our geographical, historical and cultural proximity to face common challenges and foster regional and global cooperation,” emphasized the Ambassador of Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina Helena Lagerlof.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Bosnia and Herzegovina Katrine Biering emphasized that Nordic cooperation is also focused on shared security and prosperity.
“Just like in the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Nordic countries must continuously develop industry, create new jobs and protect the environment. Investing in youth is key to success. The large Bosnian diaspora in our countries also plays an important role in strengthening trade relations and economic growth. Their knowledge and expertise are deeply valued and represent a great asset,” added Ambassador Biering, noting that security is a prerequisite for all citizens to enjoy prosperity.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, these four countries jointly support the reform processes on the country’s path to the European Union.
“Denmark will take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1 this year. Our wish is that Bosnia and Herzegovina, 30 years after the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement and 30 years after the genocide in Srebrenica, continues to make concrete progress on its European path for the benefit of all its citizens,” said Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark Age Sandal Moler.
While emphasizing their shared commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single state with its multiethnic character, these countries also expressed deep concern about recent developments in the entity of Republika Srpska and the secessionist statements and moves by the leadership of this entity.
“We are convinced that regional cooperation in the Western Balkans would be very beneficial for everyone, just as we Nordics enjoy the benefits of working together in our region,” concluded the Ambassador of Finland to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kalle Kankanpa.
The Nordic countries will therefore continue to support political action that puts citizens first and whose interest is that Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes a stable and healthy democracy, based on the rule of law, protected by strong institutions and an active, engaged civil society, the Embassy of Sweden in Bosnia and Herzegovina announced.
