Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman signed a statement in Mostar with his colleague from Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković and representatives of Turkey, Slovenia, North Macedonia and Albania, which highlighted the importance of restoring the Old Bridge and called for strengthening cooperation between these countries.
On the 20th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Old Bridge destroyed in the war, numerous dignitaries gathered at the conference 'Mostar 2024 Dialogue for the Future'.
The result is a Joint Statement stating that the restoration of the Old Bridge is a powerful reminder of the rich cultural, national and religious diversity of our region and our unwavering commitment to fostering peace and cooperation.
The document calls for strengthening cooperation in all areas and promoting mutual dialogue.
Minister Grlić Radman pointed out that the center of Herzegovina unites and promotes numerous differences and their wealth.
"Mostar is an example, a multicultural miniature, the leading people reflect the reflection of a good atmosphere, a good spirit that reigns in the city of Mostar," Grlić Radman said in a statement to the media.
He stated that Croatia was one of the five countries that provided half a million euros financially, as well as professionally, to the reconstruction of the Old Bridge, which was destroyed in the fall of 1993 during the Bosniak-Croat war.
"The bridge symbolizes connection, it symbolizes understanding, dialogue and tolerance. Here we felt the atmosphere of readiness of all actors for dialogue, because the future can only be built if we are ready for dialogue, have a positive approach and affirm the values that unite us," said the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs affairs of the Republic of Croatia.
Croatian experts are among the most deserving for the restoration of the Old Bridge
The Minister of Culture and Media, Nina Obuljen Koržinek, also participated in the conference in Mostar, and pointed out that Croatian experts are among the most deserving of the restoration of the Old Bridge. She rated the messages from the gathering in the city on the river Neretva as encouraging.
"I am glad that messages of mutual respect for belonging to the common heritage, here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, of all constituent nations were sent here. They all contribute to the cultural wealth of Bosnia and Herzegovina and this should continue to be preserved," said Minister Obuljen Koržinek.
She announced that the Croatian Government led by Andrej Plenković would continue to strongly support the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the countries of the Western Balkans towards the EU.
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