A handover ceremony for the Turkish Contingent serving with EUFOR was held at Camp Butmir, marking the transfer of responsibility from Colonel Mustafa Çetin Çelik to Colonel Zekariya Hato.
COM EUFOR, Major General Maurizio Fronda, attended the ceremony alongside H.E. Emin Akseki, Ambassador of Türkiye to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Major General Mirsad Ahmić, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, representatives from EUFOR contributing nations and members of Turkish institutions and organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Colonel Çelik formally handed over responsibility after completing one year as Head of the Turkish Contingent in Camp Butmir. During his tenure, Turkish personnel continued to contribute to EUFOR’s multinational presence and the implementation of the mission’s mandate throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The ceremony provided an opportunity to recognise Colonel Çelik’s service and to welcome Colonel Hato as he assumes responsibility for the Turkish Contingent.
Türkiye remains an important contributor to EUFOR Althea. The continued participation of Turkish personnel reflects the multinational character of the mission and the importance of cooperation between contributing nations in supporting EUFOR’s operational effectiveness.
EUFOR remains committed to working closely with all contributing nations and with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in support of peace, stability and a safe and secure environment for all citizens.
