Bosnia pledges support for Ukraine's reconstruction at Gdańsk Conference

Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović addressed the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina was the victim of brutal aggression from 1992 to 1995 and is the only country in Europe where genocide was committed after the Second World War. As a country that survived aggression and the genocide against Bosniaks, we fully understand the suffering and hardships endured by the people of Ukraine," Bećirović said.

The Chairman of the Presidency emphasized that now, more than ever, Ukraine should be supported in its just struggle for freedom. He noted that the competent institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina have condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine as a violation of international law, CE Report quotes FENA.

Following Russia's invasion, Bosnia and Herzegovina aligned itself with the positions of the European Union (EU), which have consistently expressed strong support for Ukraine.

Bećirović pointed out that, in addition to its continuous and principled support for Ukraine's just cause, Bosnia and Herzegovina can also contribute to the country's reconstruction. In this regard, it is prepared to share its expertise and experience with Ukraine in training demining teams and specialists, planning and managing mine clearance operations, applying modern technologies including drones, digital mapping and remote sensing, implementing mine risk education programs for the public, and developing systems for risk assessment and prioritization.

He also said that, during Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery process, Bosnia and Herzegovina is ready to share its experience in post-war reconstruction, facilitating the return of displaced persons and refugees to their pre-war homes, prosecuting war criminals, identifying missing persons, supporting war veterans, particularly through legislation, and developing rehabilitation and social reintegration programs.

Chairman of the Presidency Denis Bećirović stressed that Ukraine can also be helped by preventing the emergence of new crises and conflict fronts in Europe.

"Any new crisis in the Western Balkans weakens Ukraine, weakens Europe, and undermines the values we are fighting for together. We must not underestimate Russia's ability to destabilize the Western Balkans through its proxies. That is why I call on the free world to provide even stronger support for Ukraine while also preventing the destabilization of the Western Balkans," Bećirović said.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will always stand with those who fight for justice, peace, and human dignity, Chairman of the Presidency Denis Bećirović concluded, according to a statement from his office.

Photo: Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina