Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović opened the Honorary Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Midlands region in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) in Birmingham.
The ceremony was attended by the reisu-l-ulema of the Islamic Community in BiH Husein Kavazović and prominent British officials and representatives of institutions, including: Derrick Anderson CBE, King Charles’s envoy for the West Midlands region; Lord Wajid Khan, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Religion, Communities and Migration in the House of Lords; Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands; Simon Foster, Commissioner for Police and Crime in the West Midlands; Zafar Iqbal MBE, Mayor of Birmingham, as well as numerous other officials from various levels of UK government.
On this occasion, Bećirović extended his sincere congratulations to the newly appointed Honorary Consul Anes Cerić, emphasizing that the opening of the Honorary Consulate represents an important step forward in strengthening the institutional presence of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this friendly and allied country.
“The strategic strengthening of the diplomatic and consular network of Bosnia and Herzegovina opens up new opportunities for significant improvement of bilateral relations, primarily in the fields of diplomacy, economy, education and culture. This is a strong message about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to developing international partnerships and providing support to our citizens in the diaspora,” said Bećirović.
He added that the establishment of the Honorary Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Birmingham has multiple significance, both for strengthening ties with the UK and for affirming the interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the international level.
“This is an indicator of our determination to strengthen ties with our friends, partners and allies. By expanding the diplomatic network and strengthening our presence in countries with which we share friendly relations and strategic goals, we are strengthening the geopolitical position of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The opening of the Honorary Consulate is also an important recognition of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian diaspora, which actively contributes to society in the UK, but at the same time carefully preserves its identity and culture, as well as its strong connection with its homeland,” emphasized Bećirović.
During the meeting with senior officials of the United Kingdom, Bećirović stressed the importance of deepening bilateral relations with the UK, and expressed gratitude to British institutions for their continued support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Special gratitude was also expressed to the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in Birmingham and throughout the UK, which, with its work, engagement and dedication, represents a strong bridge between the two countries.
The opening of the Honorary Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Birmingham is a symbol of the increasingly strong connection of Bosnia and Herzegovina with its diaspora and partners in the world, as well as a commitment to strengthening the reputation of the country in the international community, the Office of BiH Presidency Member Denis Bećirović announced.
