Over the next five years, MBHEC will further develop academic, economic, and cultural cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Maryland and beyond
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 12/13, 2026) — Last night in Annapolis, the capital of the state of Maryland, the Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council hosted a gala evening marking two years since the Council’s founding and 22 years of partnership between the State of Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Alongside representatives of the U.S. government, the diplomatic corps, and the business and academic communities of both countries, the gala featured remarks by the Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željko Komšić; Maryland Congressman Steny H. Hoyer; former U.S. Senator from Maryland and former Chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Benjamin L. Cardin; and the Deputy Secretary of State of Maryland, Michael Lore. During the evening, Hoyer and Cardin were also presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of the support and friendship they have provided to our country over decades of public service. The evening’s moderator was Una Bejtović.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina remains firmly committed to a future built on peace. That path is not without challenges, but partnerships like the one we celebrate tonight give us confidence and clear direction. The partnership between Maryland and BiH, both military and civilian, shows what is possible when trust, shared values, and long-term commitment come together. So let us continue building bridges between institutions, communities, and people. Let us continue investing in partnerships that strengthen democracy, security, and peace,” Chair Komšić said. As he emphasized, the evening is also an opportunity to thank the United States for its support to Bosnia and Herzegovina. He recalled that the cooperation program between the Maryland National Guard and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the most successful examples, thanks to which BiH soldiers today serve in peacekeeping missions on an equal footing with colleagues from far more developed countries.
Benjamin L. Cardin recalled the challenges Bosnia and Herzegovina has faced from declaring independence to the present day. “We must continue advocating for a whole, free, and peaceful Europe, as we did four decades ago. I join the Council in encouraging members of the Bosnian community in Maryland and across the country to take an active role in strengthening our ties,” Cardin concluded. Along with the award, Senator Cardin was presented with an original replica of the Sarajevo Haggadah. Congressman Steny H. Hoyer noted in his remarks that he hopes to see the United States stand with Bosnia and Herzegovina as it continues reforms that move beyond politics of ethnic division, toward deeper and lasting integration into the EU. “The State of Maryland will be at the forefront of these efforts as BiH’s partner, providing continued hope for a peaceful and prosperous future,” Hoyer said.
Maryland Deputy Secretary of State Michael Lore welcomed the Council’s work over the past two years to help expand the original military cooperation into a broader civilian partnership. “Tonight’s event serves as a platform to connect institutions, communities, and leaders, open new paths for cooperation in education, academic exchange, and business initiatives, and highlight the continued role of the diaspora as a bridge between Maryland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the United States,” Lore concluded. On behalf of Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Michael Lore accepted the “Srebrenica Flower,” awarded by the “Mothers of Srebrenica” to Wes Moore in gratitude for promoting a culture of remembrance and for proclaiming July 11, for the past two years, as Srebrenica Remembrance Day in the State of Maryland. The “Flower” was presented by Selver Sulejmanović, a Srebrenica survivor who lives and works in Maryland.
The Council’s co-founder and board chair, Azra Kačapor-Nurkić, outlined five priority areas for the Council’s next phase: higher education and youth exchange, economic development and trade, diplomatic and professional development, civil protection and disaster response, and diaspora mobilization. “Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina have complementary strengths in everything from cybersecurity to renewable energy, from engineering to international affairs,” Kačapor-Nurkić said. “The Council will build the exchange programs, make the business introductions, and create the training that connects them.” The Council’s first major initiative launches this April with Bosnia and Herzegovina Days in Maryland, bringing a delegation of Bosnian companies and government officials to meet their Maryland counterparts and begin doing business.
In the musical portion of the program, Uma Čizmić performed the national anthems; Ivan Medić and Alden Čizmić performed selections blending sevdalinka and Ladino in honor of Flory Jagoda; and Dr. Asim Haračić rounded out this part of the program with performances of traditional Bosnian songs.
