- Published: 21.03.2025.
Minister Grlić Radman pays working visit to Bugojno Municipality
On Friday, March 21, 2025, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman paid a working visit to the Municipality of Bugojno, where he met with local government representatives to discuss infrastructure projects, economic development, education, the preservation of cultural heritage, issues concerning Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the country's Euro-Atlantic integration path.
During a meeting with the Chairman of the Bugojno Municipal Council, Igor Vrljić, and the President of the HDZ BiH caucus, Mladen Čelina, the discussion focused on the status of the Croatian community in Bugojno, their political rights, economic development, education, and the preservation of the centuries-old cultural heritage of Croats in the region.
In talks with the Mayor of Bugojno, Edin Mašić, various challenges faced by the municipality were discussed, along with potential avenues for future cooperation. The discussions, held in a constructive atmosphere, covered topics such as protecting the rights of Croats not only in Bugojno but throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, the reconstruction of the municipal water supply system as a key infrastructure project, necessary reforms—including electoral law changes—and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s continued Euro-Atlantic integration. On this occasion, Minister Grlić Radman reaffirmed that Croatia will continue to provide all necessary support to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to European Union membership.
The minister’s visit to Bugojno continued with a meeting with Parish Vicar of St. Anthony of Padua, Father Juro Šekerija, and Definitor of the Franciscan Province of Bosnia Srebrena, Father Miro Relota. Their discussions focused on the role of the Catholic Church in preserving the identity, spiritual, and cultural heritage of the Croatian people, as well as the challenges faced by this historic parish, including the need for restoration and preservation of church properties. The conversation also touched on the importance of joint efforts to strengthen social cohesion and interreligious dialogue, which, as emphasized, are essential for the peaceful coexistence of all peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Minister Grlić Radman paid tribute to fallen and missing members of the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) in Bugojno by laying a wreath and lighting candles. During the war, 311 Croatian civilians and soldiers were killed in Bugojno, more than 2,000 passed through the camps of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and over 15,000 were displaced. Numerous properties owned by Croats, including cultural and religious monuments that form part of the Croatian identity, were destroyed.
"Although more than thirty years have passed, it is essential to shed light on this painful chapter of our recent history, as only through truth can we build a better and more stable future for coexistence. In Bugojno, and across Bosnia and Herzegovina, we must take concrete steps to locate all missing victims of the Homeland War, give them a dignified burial, and provide answers to families who have been waiting for over three decades," said Grlić Radman, once again urging anyone with information about missing persons to assist their families in this process.
Speaking on the importance of supporting Croats living in this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the minister emphasized that mutual respect and joint political participation are crucial for coexistence, as exemplified in Mostar. He also stated that the Government of the Republic of Croatia will continue to provide strong support to Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina through cross-border cooperation projects, financial aid from the European Union, and other initiatives. Additionally, Croatia will support them in securing their right to elect legitimate political representatives, as guaranteed by the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement, with the aim of eliminating all forms of discrimination and ensuring the full equality of all nations and citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Press releases
During a meeting with the Chairman of the Bugojno Municipal Council, Igor Vrljić, and the President of the HDZ BiH caucus, Mladen Čelina, the discussion focused on the status of the Croatian community in Bugojno, their political rights, economic development, education, and the preservation of the centuries-old cultural heritage of Croats in the region.
In talks with the Mayor of Bugojno, Edin Mašić, various challenges faced by the municipality were discussed, along with potential avenues for future cooperation. The discussions, held in a constructive atmosphere, covered topics such as protecting the rights of Croats not only in Bugojno but throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, the reconstruction of the municipal water supply system as a key infrastructure project, necessary reforms—including electoral law changes—and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s continued Euro-Atlantic integration. On this occasion, Minister Grlić Radman reaffirmed that Croatia will continue to provide all necessary support to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to European Union membership.
The minister’s visit to Bugojno continued with a meeting with Parish Vicar of St. Anthony of Padua, Father Juro Šekerija, and Definitor of the Franciscan Province of Bosnia Srebrena, Father Miro Relota. Their discussions focused on the role of the Catholic Church in preserving the identity, spiritual, and cultural heritage of the Croatian people, as well as the challenges faced by this historic parish, including the need for restoration and preservation of church properties. The conversation also touched on the importance of joint efforts to strengthen social cohesion and interreligious dialogue, which, as emphasized, are essential for the peaceful coexistence of all peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Minister Grlić Radman paid tribute to fallen and missing members of the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) in Bugojno by laying a wreath and lighting candles. During the war, 311 Croatian civilians and soldiers were killed in Bugojno, more than 2,000 passed through the camps of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and over 15,000 were displaced. Numerous properties owned by Croats, including cultural and religious monuments that form part of the Croatian identity, were destroyed.
"Although more than thirty years have passed, it is essential to shed light on this painful chapter of our recent history, as only through truth can we build a better and more stable future for coexistence. In Bugojno, and across Bosnia and Herzegovina, we must take concrete steps to locate all missing victims of the Homeland War, give them a dignified burial, and provide answers to families who have been waiting for over three decades," said Grlić Radman, once again urging anyone with information about missing persons to assist their families in this process.
Speaking on the importance of supporting Croats living in this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the minister emphasized that mutual respect and joint political participation are crucial for coexistence, as exemplified in Mostar. He also stated that the Government of the Republic of Croatia will continue to provide strong support to Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina through cross-border cooperation projects, financial aid from the European Union, and other initiatives. Additionally, Croatia will support them in securing their right to elect legitimate political representatives, as guaranteed by the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement, with the aim of eliminating all forms of discrimination and ensuring the full equality of all nations and citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.