A ceremony marking St. Patrick’s Day was held last night at the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives of the economic and cultural sectors. The event, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Ireland, highlighted the strong and friendly relations between Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Addressing the attendees, Michael Moynihan expressed gratitude to the diplomatic community and friends of Ireland for attending the celebration, which honors Irish culture and heritage. He noted that it was his first visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina and praised the warm welcome he received during his short stay.
“I am particularly delighted to be here in Sarajevo. In just over 36 hours, I have witnessed strong bonds between our countries, met inspiring young people and teachers, and realized how much we share in common,” Moynihan said.
During his visit, Moynihan met with Naida Hota-Muminović and toured local schools, including institutions attended by children with special needs. He commended the dedication of teachers and staff, emphasizing the importance of inclusive education and the care provided to all students.
Reflecting on broader political themes, Moynihan underlined that conflict resolution requires time and perseverance, quoting W. B. Yeats: “Peace comes slowly.” He stressed that dialogue, compromise and reconciliation remain the only sustainable path forward, both locally and globally, alongside key values such as media freedom, the fight against corruption and respect for international law.
He also highlighted Ireland’s experience within the European Union, noting that EU membership played a crucial role in securing peace and economic prosperity, including in Northern Ireland. Moynihan pointed out that similar opportunities are available to Bosnia and Herzegovina through EU support mechanisms, provided that necessary reforms are implemented.
“We want citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to have the same opportunities that we in Ireland had. Enlargement will be one of Ireland’s priorities during our EU Presidency,” he said.
Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in tourism, economic ties and cultural exchange, reaffirming the shared commitment to deepening relations between the two countries.
