LONDON, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Statehood Day was marked in the Houses of Parliament of the United Kingdom at a ceremonial reception attended by the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Željko Komšić . The reception was organised by the Bosnia UK Network and the Inter-Parliamentary Group for Bosnia and Herzegovina (APPG for Bosnia and Herzegovina), led by Chair @Alicia Kearns, Member of the British Parliament.
This event represents a historic moment: for the first time ever, the Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina was officially celebrated in the UK Parliament, with the presence of numerous members of both houses of parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the BiH community, as well as organizations that have been working for years to strengthen relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Kingdom. 
Dr. Anes Ceric , Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Midlands and Executive Director of the BH UK Network, in his opening remarks emphasized the significance of today’s event: “It is a great honour to stand here on behalf of the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network, especially as we welcome the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH, His Excellency Željko Komšić, to the United Kingdom. Today, together, we mark the Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 30 years since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement.” 
Cerić recalled that four years ago, BiH Independence Day was celebrated in the same building – for the first time in the British Parliament – and emphasized that today’s event represents another historic step forward in relations between the two countries.
The Chairman of the Presidency of BiH, Željko Komšić, addressed those present, emphasizing the importance of marking the Statehood Day and the historical continuity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.He highlighted the strong ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Kingdom, and the long-standing British support for reforms, security and peacekeeping: “These days we mark two historic events that have shaped the lives of generations of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their significance will be felt well into the future, as these events also determine the path that future generations will take.”
Komšić expressed his gratitude to the hosts and all partners who contribute to strengthening the cooperation between the two countries.Alicia Kearns MP, Inter-Parliamentary Group for Bosnia and Herzegovina, recalled that the United Kingdom remains a strong ally of Bosnia and Herzegovina and that the British Government continues to support BiH on its Euro-Atlantic and European path. She highlighted the important role of the BiH diaspora in the UK, stressing that Bosnians and Herzegovinians make a valuable contribution to the social, cultural and economic life of the United Kingdom.
Significance of the eventToday’s celebration of BiH Statehood Day in the UK Parliament represents:�• strengthening of diplomatic and friendly relations between the UK and BiH�• confirmation of long-standing British support for the sovereignty and multi-ethnic character of BiH�• recognition of the work of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian diaspora in the UK�• a symbolic act of solidarity and respect for the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina
