What is the purpose of your visit to the city of La Laguna?
I am the ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and it is expected of me to travel throughout the country to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina. The second very important reason is that in the near future we will open the first Honorary Consulate in Canarias in this beautiful city – at number 52 San Agustín Street. It is important to be officially represented on the Island and also in the Autonomous Community of Canarias. It is not the only one we have, but it is the furthest away. Ángel Quintero (future consul) has shown his commitment to Bosnia, so we are very proud to have him as a man of honour. I am very pleased to be here. It is my first time in the Islands and I am sure that the cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina with Canarias will grow.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a strong relationship with this Island for various reasons. From the footballer Meho Kodro, who played for three years at the Club Deportivo Tenerife, to the group of refugees who stayed here after the war.
Activities such as sports or culture are ambassadors in themselves. We are very proud that Meho Kodro is remembered here and has had such a significant impact on this society. Also, that some athletes from Bosnia and Herzegovina are known in Spain like, for example, the basketball player from Real Madrid Dzanan Musa. But the connections are closer and more historical, as both territories share values such as tolerance and the ability to accept a variety of people from different countries and cultures. Before coming, I read a lot about Tenerife and the diversity of the population and culture was very interesting. Something that must be protected by the administration. In today’s world, we need to promote these values of Canarian society. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, for over 500 years, we have had the example of coexistence in the heart of Europe. I often say that European values have been preserved for centuries in my country. Since the 16th century, communities of Jews, Muslims, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians have coexisted and mixed. Something typical of our society, which is like a dense carpet with many colours. The past, but also our future, because without tolerance and acceptance of diversity, there is no future. We must also talk about protecting biodiversity. The Government of Canarias could be an example, because we know that there are many projects in this direction. Bosnia also needs connections, contact at different levels, including experts, to share good practices towards another fundamental value in the future: the great challenge of maintaining biodiversity and, at the same time, levels of social well-being. We need economy, development, work, industry… but also nature. Regarding the refugees from Bosnia, we are very grateful to Fernando De Paz, who in the 90s welcomed them and gave them a home. We really appreciate it. The small Bosnian community that exists in Tenerife is currently part of the cultural diversity of the Island.
In which sectors do you believe the relationship with Tenerife and Canarias can be grounded?
We have some economic sectors as a model of success. For example, the wood and furniture industry, one of the most renowned in Europe because my country is very rich in trees. There is also a long tradition of craftsmanship. There are many contemporary designers and furniture manufacturers who attend major fairs and work with top designers. Our craftsmen connect the past with the future, traditions with the current market. We want to promote a convention with interior designers to showcase our furniture. When it comes to tourism, it is a great challenge to preserve natural beauties and host millions of tourists. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we do not have to face mass tourism, but how to attract more visitors. We focus on rural tourism, ecotourism, winter tourism, sports tourism, or adventure tourism. A commitment to specialization. Now, the main goal is to connect Spanish cities with Bosnia through direct flights. In addition to promoting pilgrimage tourism (religious), with the Shrine of the Virgin of Medjugorje as a base. Spain could be the gateway to receive tourists from South America.
Have you had any special positive or negative moments in these months in Spain?
One of the most important moments was the opening of the accession negotiations with the EU on 21st March. Integration is an important aspect for us, and we are very proud that Spain supports it. The opening of this office was crucial and it happened during my term, so I am very proud. Since December 2022, Bosnia is a candidate to join the Union.
What memories do you have of the war in your country?
Assessment of the Spanish Army’s Role in the Country for Over a Decade
It is something that we always remember and greatly value about Spain. The participation of Spanish troops, more than 46,000 military personnel, which included the army, civil guard, etc., was fundamental in the reconstruction, and we will never forget it. It was a point I highlighted when presenting my credentials to His Majesty King Felipe VI, to whom I also expressed my gratitude. The friendship between our two countries is very strong.
Yours is a country with a diverse religious mix. How does daily coexistence work?
We must distinguish between religions and ethnicities because there are different nationalities in Bosnia, but not everyone is religious. For 500 years, we have had coexistence, people have mixed, made friends, done business, married… The result is a typical mix, a way of life that cannot be destroyed from the outside because it is more enduring than a generation. Bosnia is a country with three constituent nations and others. Others are the fourth, the cultural mix or those who do not want to belong to one group or another. We have a state institution, the Interreligious Commission, which implies that four religions are equally treated. We celebrate all commemorations, visit each other, participate in different traditions and religious festivals.
Did you expect to see another conventional war in Europe?
Many times, especially during the 20th century, we heard: Never again. But it happened again. History repeats itself. I believe it is the responsibility of all, but especially of leaders, who are the ones making decisions. We must call for peace, we need diplomacy to demand it. I believe in it, and with political will, we can achieve it.
Does the conflict in the Gaza Strip bring back memories?
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The first thing we need is an immediate ceasefire and a political commitment to reach negotiations and have international courts intervene. In my country, we know that nothing justifies the killing of civilians.
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