The Ambassador of Bosnia And Herzegovina, Emin Cohodarevic hosted a reception to celebrate 33rd Independence Day

Photo: Mudassar Raja

Islamabad : To celebrate the 33rd independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina H.E. Mr. Emin Cohodarevic hosted a reception at a local hotel in Islamabad on 27 February . Federal Minister , Rana Tanveer Hussain, attended the grand celebration as the chief guest.

Addressing the distinguished gathering, last night the minister extended warm congratulations on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan.

In his address, Ambassador Emin Cohodarevic reflected, As we celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Independence Day today, let us be reminded that throughout history, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been a country of unity, tolerance, and a safe haven for multi-ethnicity, and we are dedicated to upholding those principles today, and always.

Bosnia and Herzegovina holds a special place in the hearts of the Pakistani people. The warm hospitality extended to me and my family in last year was a demonstration of the friendship, brotherhood and partnership between our two countries and peoples. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation  for warmth and hospitality I experienced in every corner of Pakistan. on his experiences in Pakistan since his arrival in late November 2024, expressing appreciation for the warm sentiments toward Japan and the enthusiasm for strengthening bilateral ties. “There still lies an unlimited space for cooperation between our two countries,” he remarked.

We Bosnians and Herzegovinians believe that Pakistan is a fascinating country in many regards, especially culturally and from the perspective of historical values. It is an extremely friendly country, with very competent and amicably people. People hold the key to sound state-to-state relations and friendship comes from exchanges between the people.

If you have a friend a far who knows your heart, distance can not keep you apart. Now 3000 miles can no longer keep Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan apart. Instead, the relationship serves as a bond or a bridge linking our two countries.” he stated.

The multifaceted relations between our two countries have witnessed a  steady growth during last thirty years characterized by friendship, mutual respect and understanding. These relations further intensified in last year with the Second Round of Bilateral Consultation between Ministries of Foreign Affaires. We hope to further intensify these relations with the proposed two visits in this year. I am proud of all the work we have accomplished so far, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the bonds between our countries at a critical time in history. Today, I am particularly proud of the work we have accomplished to increase our educational, cultural and people to people ties. he added,

On the defence front, Ambassador Cohodarevic reaffirmed that The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina have made a notable contribution to global peace through participation in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations, placing Bosnia and Herzegovina among countries actively supporting global stability.

The far right, associated with fascist and populist tendencies, is on the rise,      the aggression against Ukraine and the suffering of Gaza have thrown humanity into a deep crisis, with a lot of uncertainty and fear. It is our moral imperative to find the ends to these wars. With the weight of these challenges upon us, let us use this day as a reminder of the power of unity and the importance of respecting one another’s dignity.

The reception was attended by Ministers, Parliamentarians, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community and other dignitaries from the public and private sector.

Ambassador Emin Cohodarevic together with the distinguished guests cut a cake to mark the 33rd Independence Day.

BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga