The State Partnership Program between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the US state of Maryland is not only a framework for military cooperation, but also a bridge connecting BiH with Western values and practices, Adnan Hadrović, co-founder of the Maryland-Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council, told Fena.
In November 2023, the Maryland-Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC) was established, an initiative that symbolizes a new approach to bilateral cooperation between the United States of America and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
MBHEC has placed a special focus on the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora, which serves as a bridge between these two communities and as a catalyst for economic, cultural and educational initiatives.
The civilian aspect of the Maryland-BiH program is crucial for strengthening civilian institutions, modernizing procedures and harmonizing with NATO standards. Through education, crisis management and exchange of experiences, the program helps BiH develop the capacities needed for Euro-Atlantic integration. It also contributes to democratization, youth empowerment and regional stability, positioning BiH as a reliable partner of the West and an example of positive transformation in the Balkans.
The program contributes to the promotion of peace through the exchange of good practices in building a democratic society and economic development. The program empowers young leaders and civil society, encouraging them to take an active role in creating a more stable and prosperous society, which is crucial for the transformation of BiH.
The establishment of MBHEC is supported by key institutions in the United States, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, the Maryland National Guard and the Maryland Secretary of State’s Office. On the other hand, Bosnia and Herzegovina contributes through cooperation with the Embassy of BiH in Washington, the Office of the Military Attaché and the BiH Ministry of Defense.
The foundations of this cooperation lie in the State Partnership Program, launched in 2003, which enabled a strong military connection between the Maryland National Guard and the Armed Forces of BiH. This program was crucial for the implementation of NATO standards in BiH, but MBHEC is now expanding this cooperation to the civilian sector.
New goals include support for projects in the fields of education, culture, economy, energy and natural disaster management. Special emphasis is placed on the exchange of experiences in sustainable policies, which is a key aspect of contemporary global challenges.
– Maryland is a leader in responding to natural disasters in the USA, and this experience can significantly help Bosnia and Herzegovina – emphasizes MBHEC co-founder, Adnan Hadrović.
MBHEC successfully connects communities through cultural exchanges, such as the cooperation between the Sarajevo Film Festival and the Annapolis Film Festival, as well as the partnership between the cities of Sarajevo and Annapolis. These initiatives promote mutual understanding and open up opportunities for cooperation at all levels, from local communities to national policies.
The Institute for Development Impact (I4DI) provides expert support to MBHEC, ensuring the capacity to implement initiatives. MBHEC founders, Dr. Azra Kačapor Nurkić, Dr. Emir Nurkić Kačapor and Msc. Adnan Hadrović, and young leaders such as Luca Vujović, Andrea Pozderac, Finn Henry, Mak Edvin Nurkić Kačapor, Amina Jusupović are giving new momentum to this initiative, building bridges that connect different generations and cultures.
– The strength of our diaspora lies in its diversity and ability to connect two homelands – the United States of America and Bosnia and Herzegovina. MBHEC is a platform that enables the transformation of these connections into concrete benefits for both societies of equal values - emphasizes Hadrović.
MBHEC is already achieving significant results, including educational programs, cultural exchanges and support for trade delegations. This initiative has the potential to become a global model of cooperation, connecting people, institutions and communities in a common mission of progress.
With the message “We are moving into the future together,” MBHEC portrays a vision that not only connects the two countries, but also creates the foundations for sustainable development and global recognition of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Photo: Fena news agency
