Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Brian Aggeler, concluded his two-day visit to Banja Luka and Prijedor, where he actively participated in the Banja Luka TrotoArt festival and held meetings with political and non-governmental representatives.
Ambassador Aggeler joined street performers and various artists at the TrotoArt manifestation, organized by the City of Banja Luka, and engaged in a drawing activity with children and youth.
"Being part of the lively TrotoArt festival has truly been a remarkable opportunity to witness and celebrate the exceptional artistic talent and creative spirit of Banja Luka," said Ambassador Aggeler.
During his visit to Banja Luka, Ambassador Aggeler had a constructive meeting with Republika Srpska Prime Minister Radovan Višković, discussing the current socioeconomic and political situation in the entity, as well as ongoing reform processes.
Furthermore, the visit provided an opportunity for the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH to meet with the President of the RS National Minority Council, Ms. Maja Kremenović, and the President of the RS Union of National Minorities, Mr. Franjo Rover. The discussions focused on the development and implementation of relevant strategic documents aimed at enhancing the status and well-being of national minorities in RS, as well as the rest of BiH.
Continuing his visit in Prijedor on 19 June, Ambassador Aggeler met with Seida Karabašić, President of the NGO Izvor, and Vesna Šolaja and Rezija Mujkanović, President and representative of the Women's Association "Rudarka" from Ljubija. Ambassador Aggeler commended the valuable role of women's associations in the Prijedor area as important peacebuilders. He extended his support to their initiatives, efforts, and networking with other civil society organizations, which are crucial for the implementation of trust-building activities in Prijedor.
"It is essential to highlight that all trust-building activities are valuable for advancing community relations and community cohesion in BiH," emphasized Ambassador Aggeler, highlighting the significance of fostering mutual understanding and healing wounds from the past.
During a meeting with Fikret Bačić, a representative of the Prijedor Association of Parents of Killed Children during 1992-1995, and a representative of the Youth Center Kvart, Ambassador Aggeler reaffirmed the Mission's readiness to provide support for restarting discussions on the construction of a monument to the killed children of Prijedor, as well as for various trust-building initiatives.
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to supporting community cohesion and fostering lasting peace-building efforts.
