Ambassadors at FSS: The Czech Republic is a country which we greatly appreciate, says Bosnian diplomat

The respected journalist and writer Martina Mlinarević Sopta took on the role of the ambassador of Bosnia and Hercegovina to the Czech Republic two years ago. Last week, Mlinarević Sopta provided the students of the Faculty of Social Studies with a lecture as a part of the course How do they see us? The Czech Republic and European Partners. The 39-year-old Bosnian diplomat shared her views on international politics and the contents of her work with the students.

You took part in the course How do they see us? last year. Why did you decide to give a lecture to the students of International Relations and European Studies this year again?

It was wonderful last year, even though it took place online and I could not be present here at the university. I did see the students online on the Zoom platform, though, and it was an amazing experience that I cherish to this day. Some of the students wrote letters to me after the lecture and I am still in contact with them today. We even wanted to meet last summer but unfortunately it did not work out in the end. It really means a lot to me to speak about our country with the students. I am very grateful to the Faculty of Social Studies for giving me the opportunity to speak here.

What are you trying to pass on to the students with your lectures?

I am trying to pass on everything I have learned and everything I have been through. My life story is everything but boring. My lectures might be different from the ones from other diplomats because I am not a career diplomat. Before all of this, I was a journalist and a writer. I also dealt with breast cancer some time ago and since then, I have been a big activist in that field. Plus, I became a diplomat during a pandemic, which was also not easy.

How would you describe the relationship between the Czech Republic and Bosnia and Hercegovina?

The relations between our countries are very good, and we greatly appreciate your country. The Czech Republic is our partner and our long-term friend. We have had a lot in common since the medieval times. Just to illustrate, one of the most prominent Czech architects, Karel Pařík, built more than 150 buildings in our capital Sarajevo. Some of the most significant ones being the National Theatre, the National Museum, the Academy of Fine Arts or the City Hall. The former president Václav Havel was the first foreign president to visit our country. It was in 1995, right after the war. Our people do not forget these kinds of things. The Czech Republic also took in a lot of our war refugees.

You are talking about the past, but what are some current topics that the two countries are dealing with together?

For example, a lot of students from Bosnia and Hercegovina study here. We also managed to cooperate amazingly during the pandemic. Personally, I have had a great experience working with Czech institutions that were helping us with the repatriation of our citizens. The Czech Republic can be our mentor and help us on our EuroAtlantic path. In a way, you went through something similar thirty years ago, but thankfully without a war. I am particularly looking forward to cooperating with the new government and to seeing the plan of the presidency of the Czech Republic in the Council of the European Union. I believe it will only make our relations and ties stronger.