Bosnian Presidency member Bakir Izetbegovic met in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron on the occasion of the centennial of Armistice Day and the end of World War One. Speaking at the central ceremony, he hoped for a century of peace after a century of war.
“Accompanied by other heads of state at the central ceremony in front of the Arc de Triomphe, Izetbegovic expressed hope that the messages of peace and unity will be the guiding principle for all,” Bosnian Presidency said. “This especially refers to the Balkan region which was engulfed in war three times, thus marking the end of the 20th century.”
Therefore, he said, everyone in the Balkans needs more wisdom and readiness to build peace and after a century of war, to try to achieve a century of peace.
“Because of its painful past, Bosnia needs a united Europe, a Europe of peace, prosperity and cooperation,” adding that it deserves its place in this family of liberty and democracy.
“Likewise, the EU needs Bosnia as a symbol and as a unique microcosm which has been nurturing the modern European motto for centuries – united in our differences.”
Izetbegovic attended the dinner for heads of state hosted by the French President, and he will also participate in the Paris Peace Forum.
Apart from him, the Bosnian delegation consists of Bosnian Ambassador to France Kemal Muftic and advisor to the Croat Presidency member, Ivana Zovko-Planincic.
