On October 23, 2024, officials from Maryland, Maryland Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) convened in Annapolis, MD to advance collaboration across disaster management, education, military partnerships, and economic initiatives. The discussions aimed to deepen ties through both civil and military channels, building on the success of the State Partnership Program (SPP) between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, established through the National Guard Bureau of Maryland in 2003.
Disaster Readiness, Response, and Recovery
The meeting opened with Maryland officials expressing condolences for the victims of recent floods and landslides in BiH. The disaster, which struck on October 4, claimed 26 lives, left one person missing, and caused widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and roads.
Both delegations emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between military and civilian institutions to enhance emergency preparedness, infrastructure recovery, and civilian protection. Discussions included expanding partnerships between Maryland universities and BiH institutions, focusing on disaster response, cybersecurity, and medical studies.
Anna Sierra, Chief Development Officer at the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, presented Maryland’s Disaster Readiness, Response, and Recovery Framework. Follow-up meetings are planned between the Maryland-BiH Exchange Council (MBHEC) and the Department of Emergency Management to formalize next steps.
Lieutenant Colonel Zoran Jović, Deputy Military Attaché of BiH to the U.S., shared his experience participating in NGMD-led cybersecurity programs. He expressed interest in expanding collaboration in that area, recognizing the value of Maryland’s cybersecurity partnership with Estonia as a potential model. Major Jason Booth, Director of the State Partnership Program, emphasized that military-to-military cooperation in the coming year already has a significant agenda, including cybersecurity efforts, paving the way for future joint initiatives.
Pictured Attendees – Maryland Delegation: Michael Lore – Deputy Secretary of State Jason Booth, MAJ, AG (FA 57), MDARNG – Director, State Partnership Program 1SG Matthew Hawkland – Maryland National Guard (MDNG) Anna Sierra – Chief Development Officer, Maryland Department of Emergency Management Bosnia and Herzegovina Delegation: Goran Miraščić – Economic Policy Advisor, Federation of BiH Jasmin Mahmuzić – Director, Banking Agency of FBiH Ensar Eminović – Minister Counselor / Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of BiH to the U.S. Lieutenant Colonel Zoran Jović – Deputy Military Attaché of BiH to the U.S. Maryland-BiH Exchange Council (MBHEC): Emir Nurkic Kacapor – Co-Founder, Adnan Hadrovic – Co-Founder
Strengthening Economic Ties and Institutional Partnerships
Economic cooperation emerged as a critical topic during the meeting. BiH representatives, including Goran Miraščić, Economic Policy Advisor to the Federation of BiH, and Jasmin Mahmuzić, Director of the Banking Agency of FBiH, outlined several opportunities for collaboration.
The officials also announced the launch of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Maryland Exchange Council (BHMEC), a sister organization to MBHEC, with headquarters in Sarajevo. BHMEC will support both civil-to-civil and military-to-civil exchanges within BiH, expanding the impact of the SPP framework. The new council plans to work closely with the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo, including the military attaché’s office and SPP liasion to ensure seamless cooperation.
Discussions highlighted plans to connect BiH’s private sector with Maryland businesses. BiH companies are keen to explore new markets and expressed interest in importing Maryland-manufactured medical and advanced equipment. These economic initiatives will help pave the way for a potential visit by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to BiH next year, further solidifying the partnership.
Building Momentum for Future Collaboration
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to deepening cooperation across key sectors and highlighted the growing strength of Maryland-BiH relations. Both sides agreed that advancing initiatives in education, economic development, and military partnerships will be essential to future progress.
The formation of BHMEC and the ongoing collaboration through the State Partnership Program (SPP) reflect the long-term investment in building strong, mutually beneficial ties. As discussions continue, both delegations are optimistic that these efforts will culminate in a visit by Governor Wes Moore to BiH next year.
