On Thursday, 14 December 2023, President Čaputová visited the soldiers serving in the EUFOR Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During one of her traditional visits to the members of the armed forces operating abroad, the president commented that they are doing a great job and making an excellent name for Slovakia.
"I thanked them for their service today. Many of them won’t have the chance to spend the holidays with their families at home. That’s why I am very happy that their family members came with me today and that at least we can give them some time together. I am proud of Slovakia’s great reputation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I saw it for myself during today’s meetings with the political leadership and with the head of the EUFOR Althea mission.”
The president noted that Slovakia has been part of this mission since its beginning in 2004, and that 53 soldiers are currently overseeing security in this still ethnically divided country.
"Unfortunately, even 28 years from the end of the bloody conflict, the tension remains. This can have an impact on the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the entire Western Balkans. Our own security is closely tied to this. This is why we also support Bosnia and Herzegovina politically on its path to European integration, because that is the only long-term guarantee of prosperity and security. They value our support greatly.”
The president also walked through the historical centre of Sarajevo. "This town has been a crossroads of various cultures, religions, and ethnicities throughout history. The current mayor represents the new generation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and demonstrates that despite the country’s recent tragic history, there are people who look towards the future and pursue a positive political agenda. They are looking for places where various ethnicities and cultures can come together, and not be divided. I think this is the correct approach and the main pre-Christmas message not only for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also for us in Slovakia.”