STATE VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA - Discussion with youth at Vukovar School

After they delivered brief remarks, the Governor General and the President of the Republic of Croatia both listened to what the students had to say as well as answered their questions.

The Governor General along with His Excellency Stjepan Mesić, President of the Republic of Croatia, visited a high school in Vukovar attended by Croatian and Serbian youth and participated in a discussionn on the importance of education as well as the essential process of reconciliation after a conflict.

In her speech, the Governor General made reference to the challenges Croatian and Serbian youth still face: "I know that memories of conflicts are still alive in this area of the world. I know how difficult it is to forget the wounds of the past. But I also know that healing comes from our ability to recognize and transcend our pain and losses."

"I know that what is at stake is our commitment to ensuring that the forces of solidarity and creation triumph over the forces of exclusion and destruction. Your school must be a place of hope and possibility. Because in this school, you are together."

Many students of Vukovar Gymnasium shared their experiences.

This event with His Excellency Stjepan Mesić, President of the Republic of Croatia, concluded the Governor General’s State visit to Croatia.