The Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Zeljko Komsic, attended a reception in Birmingham marking BiH’s Statehood Day, at the invitation of the Honorary Consul of BiH for the Midlands, Anes Ceric. On this occasion, he stated that the friendship the United Kingdom (UK) has shown toward BiH is permanently inscribed in the collective memory of our people.
Komsic addressed those present, thanking the BiH UK Network Association and Dr. Waqar Azmi, as well as the UK NGO “Remembering Srebrenica,” for everything they do for BiH.
He emphasized that BiH’s Statehood Day carries deep historical, identity-related, and emotional significance for all citizens, and symbolizes the tradition of multiethnicity, unity, and the values that, he stressed, we must preserve and pass on to future generations.
He also expressed gratitude to the institutions and citizens of the UK for their long-standing support of people from BiH who found refuge, safety, and the opportunity for a new beginning in this country.
Speaking about BiH’s Statehood Day, the Chair of the Presidency, Zeljko Komsic, said that BiH still lives the idea of ZAVNOBiH from 1943 and 1944.
“That is the idea of equality of the peoples of BiH and the idea of equality of us as individuals. Even the Dayton Peace Agreement adopted that ZAVNOBiH philosophy,” Komsic said.
He stressed that on November 25th, 1943, the statehood of BiH was restored, which, he emphasized, had existed even before that: it had existed as a kingdom, then as part of the Ottoman Empire, and later as a distinct entity within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as well as a republic within the former SFRY.
“BiH is deeply rooted and has its foundation in history, politics, and social processes. Without November 25th, March 1st, and BiH’s independence would not have been possible, and these two dates are interconnected,” Komsic said.
He also praised the engagement of the BiH UK Network, an organization that over three decades has grown into one of the most important pillars of the BiH diaspora in the UK.
Komsic highlighted their dedicated work, including the major achievement of purchasing and restoring the Bosnian House in Birmingham, which today is a recognizable community center, a place for preserving identity, and a symbol of friendship, solidarity, and humanity.
The Chair of the Presidency of BiH, Zeljko Komsic, emphasized that the BiH UK Network, the Honorary Consulate of BiH for the Midlands, and the organization “Remembering Srebrenica” are key partners of BiH in strengthening connections with BiH citizens and in promoting BiH within UK society, the BiH Presidency said in a statement.
