Bosnia Statehood Day celebrated in UK Parliament

The reception marked the first time that BiH Statehood Day has been officially celebrated in the UK Parliament. The gathering drew numerous members from both Houses of Parliament, including Lords, representatives from the diplomatic corps, members of the vibrant BiH community, and various organizations dedicated to strengthening UK-BiH relations.

Dr. Anes Ceric, Honorary Consul of BiH for the Midlands region and Executive Director of the BH UK Network, delivered the opening address, highlighting the significance of the occasion. Ceric noted the honour of hosting BiH Presidency Chairman, His Excellency Zeljko Komsic, while simultaneously commemorating Statehood Day and the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Ceric stressed that the event represents another historical milestone, recalling that BiH Independence Day was first celebrated in the UK Parliament four years prior. He described the BH UK Network as a national umbrella organization and the voice for over 10,000 genocide survivors and their families. He highlighted the growth of the organization from a crisis response into a "national movement of hope," now offering programs from the Bosnian House in Birmingham that serve not only Bosnians but also refugees from Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan.

Chairman Komsic addressed the attendees, underscoring the importance of Statehood Day for the historical continuity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He emphasized the strong ties and long-standing UK support for reforms, security, and peace preservation in BiH. Komsic stated that these historical events "determine the path that future generations will take."

APPG Chair Alicia Kearns MP reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s position as a strong ally of Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting that the British Government continuously supports the country on its Euro-Atlantic and European path. She highlighted the vital role played by the BiH diaspora, stressing their valuable contribution to the social, cultural, and economic life of the UK.