On July 8, 2024, the Maryland-Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC) supported a pivotal state delegation visit between Maryland’s Secretary of State, H.E. Susan Lee, and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Elmedin Konaković. The meeting underscored a strong civil partnership and robust military cooperation, represented by key figures such as Brigadier General Andrew W. Collins and Major Elise Dent from the Maryland National Guard, along with Admir Jusupovic, Assistant Defense Attaché and Liaison Officer to the State of Maryland & MDARNG.
Among the notable attendees were H.E. Sven Alkalaj, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Michael Lore, Deputy Secretary of State; Zlatan Burzić, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ensar Eminović, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and several advisors and senior officials from both sides, including Joseph Gebhardt, Rosanna Mantova, and Cathy Bauer from Maryland’s Office of the Secretary of State.
The MBHEC delegation was led by co-founders Adnan Hadrovic and Emir Nurkic Kacapor, supported by Analyst Andrea Pozderac and Mak Evin Nurkic, Program Officer for International Affairs and National Engagement.
H.E. Susan Lee expressed great satisfaction with the current work and conveyed her gratitude for MBHEC’s achievements, highlighting Maryland State’s support for academic and youth exchanges, sports diplomacy, life sciences, and business opportunities programs. H.E. Minister Konaković praised Maryland’s hospitality and ongoing cooperation, particularly noting the significant contributions of the Maryland National Guard in promoting peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also reaffirmed the invitation from the Chairman of the BH Presidency, H.E. Denis Bećirović, to the Governor of Maryland, H.E. Wes Moore, to officially visit Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025. H.E. Ambassador Alkalaj reiterated the Embassy’s commitment to supporting initiatives resulting from this partnership.
Further discussions emphasized enhancing cooperation in higher education, culture, and security. Collaborative opportunities like the Annapolis Film Festival, the Sarajevo Film Festival, and the upcoming Bosnian and Herzegovinian American Diaspora Conference in Sarajevo in August 2025 were highlighted, along with the importance of developing Sister City programs.
This visit marks a continuation of MBHEC’s commitment to fostering strategic initiatives that enhance cultural understanding, economic growth, educational advancement, healthcare improvement, and security cooperation. MBHEC aims to build a resilient and mutually beneficial relationship that enriches the lives of individuals and communities in both regions by cultivating meaningful opportunities and exchanges.
