President Andrej Kiska participated in the jubilee 15th “Večernjakov Pečat” awards ceremony in the town of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday. At the awards ceremony, Andrej Kiska accepted the “Seal of a European Leader” award for support by the Slovak Republic for Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to joining the European Union.

In his speech, the president emphasised the importance of dialogue, reforms, understanding and solidarity, without which development is not possible in any country. He also confirmed continuation of support by Slovakia for the integration ambitions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During his visit to the country, Andrej Kiska also met with members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the Croatian president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and with the president of Montenegro Filip Vujanović.

"I am very happy to be here with you today. I feel truly honoured and privileged to be one of the awardees. I take this award as the recognition of what my country has done over the years to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also other countries in the region, on its continuing journey of European integration.

I am aware many Slovak nationals were part of the consolidation efforts in the last two decades: diplomats like our Minister of Foreign Affairs Miroslav Lajčák, hundreds of NGO activists, experts, soldiers and policemen.

It is important to have friends and supporters who stand by you. Who will help you overcome frustrations and failures. Who will encourage you not to give up. You are not alone in this and you never will be unless you take the goodwill for granted.

When I think of Bosnia and Herzegovina I see proud people and beautiful country with a rich history and culture. Your films and music earn international distinction and respect. I think of centuries old multi-cultural society in which people of different origins, be it ethnic, religious or other live together side-by-side.

Even the tragic war in the early 90s did not completely destroyed this legacy. Not even here in Mostar, which for long time after the conflict has been divided city. I salute these tireless efforts of people in your towns and local communities. People who realize that one cannot have a good life if his or her neighbour does not have it as well — regardless of their ethnic or religious background.

The wise men in our history knew — if you want to cross a river, build a bridge. We still need them in the troubled waters of our present world.

We need bridges to our past so we won’t forget the lessons learned. And use them as our strength and wisdom for living forward. Because that’s where the good future lies. Europe should always be about building bridges, not the walls, whether physical or mental.

Bridges also mean freedom. Our people, especially young people, can study, work or travel more freely than ever. But we have to keep in mind that those bridges should be robust enough for them to return. Because we need our young and bright at home building better future of our own. Investing their talents, raising their children and taking care of their parents. I know what I am talking about. This is a big challenge for my country. And I am also aware this is something you have to deal with too.

And we don′t need just grand strategies here. Small, ordinary bridges between us in our every-day lives can work miracles. Because even the greatest things in life are made of small but important pieces.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you again for the award. A token of friendship between our countries and our people. Slovakia will stand by your side while we will continue in what we have begun together. We want and we need Bosnia and Herzegovina to make it. To become a prosperous member of the European family."