Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina share great potential for fostering collaboration across various sectors, transcending their longstanding military alliance. This effort to expand cooperation into civilian realms is facilitated by the State Partnership Program, which has been actively promoting bilateral relations for over two decades. This shared vision was evident during a recent meeting between Edin Forto, Minister of Communications and Transport of BiH, and Michael W. Lore, Deputy Secretary of State of Maryland.
The meeting, organized with the support of the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Washington and the Maryland Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC), took place in Annapolis. Minister Forto conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Maryland following the recent tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which claimed the lives of six maintenance workers.
During the visit, Deputy Secretary Lore expressed a keen interest in collaborating across various sectors, including transportation, new technologies, education, culture, and entrepreneurship, all in alignment with the mutual interests of both states. He shared insights into Maryland’s rich history, focusing particularly on Annapolis, a significant historical site. This location holds particular importance as it marks the end of the American Revolution in 1783 and commemorates George Washington’s momentous decision to step down as commander-in-chief of the American army. The historical significance of these events is preserved in the building that currently houses the Maryland Parliament.
Upon returning to Washington, Minister Forto visited the Institute for Development Impact and the MBHEC Council, where he engaged with hosts, Emir Nurkić Kačapor and Adnan Hadrović. The council representatives briefed Minister Forto on the platform’s initiatives aimed at enhancing intergovernmental cooperation between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, discussing prospects for future collaboration. Minister Forto expressed his support for the Council’s efforts, particularly those aimed at engaging the new generations of U.S. citizens of Bosnian and Herzegovinian origin.
