The President of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, gave a lecture on “European security challenges in Southeast Europe” to students of the Faculty of Philosophy.
Before the lecture, the Croatian President briefly spoke with the faculty and the Mayor of Mostar, Ljubo Bešlić.
“My dear students, it’s a real pleasure to be here among you, there is no better way to start the day than with joy, pleasure and optimism that binds us here. The Croatian nation is one nation, and we in Croatia have a duty and a desire to help Croats living in BiH fully develop their rights in this beautiful country and that our youth stays in Mostar and in Bosnia-Herzegovina” said Grabar-Kitarović.
She added that the quality of education, which she believes can be acquired in Mostar University, is very important, and we all have to provide a favourable social climate in which students feel confident and positive about the country.
“BiH is not a geographical place, but the people, it’s you. I came to one of the most beautiful cities in the world in order to give support to the Euro-Atlantic path of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a strategic interest of the Republic of Croatia and I guarantee that the future of BiH is one of the strongest points in all meetings” said the Croatian president.
She closed by saying: “It’s wonderful to be here in sunny Mostar.”
A speech was also held by the Rector of the University of Mostar, Ljerka Ostojić, who welcomed the Croatian president.
“We remember your speech when you pointed out the importance of education. We’ll listen to your lecture with interest. We know that old wounds do not heal easily, but we also know that life goes on. Without European integration there can’t be progress, so your experience is important and we invite all of BiH to join us on this path. We are encouraged by the fact that we have a true friend in you, so thank you” said Ostojić.
The Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy Zoran Tomić also welcomed the Croatian president. He recalled the time when she just became president:
“One distinguished professor at our university I asked: ”Well Dean, can’t we do anything that could bring Mrs. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović to Mostar”. And I said that we can.” Tomić said.
The Croatian President will also meet with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić, and discuss the reasons why Croatia has blocked the opening of Chapter 23 in the process of Serbia’s European integration.
(klix.ba)
