The delegation of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Major General Ivica Jerkić, attended the reception on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the cooperation of the American federal state of Maryland with Bosnia and Herzegovina and the 30th anniversary of cooperation with Estonia within the framework of the State Partnership Program. The reception was organized by the Governor of the American state of Maryland, Mr. Wes Moore in the city of Annapolis.
During his address, Governor Moore recognized the partner parties for their overall contribution and commitment to preserving, nurturing and improving partnership relations and congratulated all those present on this significant anniversary. The Commander of the National Guard of the US State of Maryland (NGMD), Major General Janeen Brickhead, during her address, referred to the significant achievements and results of long-term bilateral military cooperation and emphasized the determination and readiness of the NGMD for additional improvement of military cooperation, which is reflected in the building of capacities and operational capabilities of members and unit of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
General of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivica Jerkić, also addressed the gathering, who expressed his gratitude to the civilian and military leadership of the American federal state of Maryland and the Maryland National Guard for their continued support and commitment in building a sincere and successful partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has been going on for 20 years and which of crucial importance in positioning Bosnia and Herzegovina as a credible partner and candidate for full membership in the EU and NATO.
During the ceremonial reception, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the City of Sarajevo and the City of Annapolis, establishing for the first time friendly ties between a city from BiH and a city in Maryland, and creating conditions for cooperation in areas that will be of mutual benefit.
The mayor of the City of Sarajevo, Mrs. Benjamina Karić, who initiated the establishment of the mentioned cooperation between the capital cities through the Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the second day of the official visit, the delegation of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina visited the War College of the US Ground Forces in Carlisle, the US state of Pennsylvania, and at the same time visited a member of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colonel Enis Herić, who is one of the 75 international students who are currently attending this prestigious military training. During the visit to the War College, the delegation of the MoD and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina held meetings with the military leadership of the War College, led by the commander, Major General David C. Hill, and the teaching staff.
Also, the delegation of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina is on 15.11.2023. participated in the combined and joint integration exercise of close air support with combat shooting called “Dagger Strike ’23”.
