Here is a paraphrased news version, clear and concise while keeping the meaning intact:
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Statehood Day Celebrated for the First Time in the UK Parliament
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Statehood Day was marked for the first time inside the Palace of Westminster, seat of the UK Parliament, with a ceremonial reception jointly hosted by the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Bosnia and Herzegovina, chaired by MP Alicia Kearns.
This historic gathering marked the first official celebration of BiH Statehood Day within the British Parliament. The event brought together numerous parliamentarians from both Houses, members of the diplomatic community, representatives of the BiH diaspora, and organisations committed to advancing UK–BiH relations.
Dr. Anes Cerić, Honorary Consul of BiH for the Midlands and Executive Director of the BH UK Network, opened the reception, underlining the importance of the occasion. He welcomed the presence of BiH Presidency Chairman Željko Komšić and noted that the celebration coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement. Cerić described the event as another significant milestone, recalling that BiH Independence Day was first honoured in the UK Parliament four years ago.
He also highlighted the evolution of the BH UK Network—from an emergency response initiative into a “national movement of hope.” Today, the Bosnian House in Birmingham supports not only Bosnians, including more than 10,000 genocide survivors and their families, but also refugees from Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Addressing attendees, Chairman Komšić emphasized the importance of Statehood Day for preserving Bosnia and Herzegovina’s historical continuity. He thanked the United Kingdom for its long-standing support in areas of reform, security, and peacebuilding, noting that these key moments “shape the direction of future generations.”
APPG Chair Alicia Kearns MP reiterated the UK’s strong commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing the continuous support London provides on the country’s European and Euro-Atlantic path. She also highlighted the vital role of the BiH diaspora and their contribution to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the United Kingdom.
