The Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC) warmly welcomes the successful official visit of the delegation of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States, held from July 13–18, 2026, at the invitation of Major General Janeen Birckhead, Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard.
Led by Lieutenant General Gojko Knežević, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the delegation participated in a series of official engagements organized in conjunction with the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America.MBHEC is particularly pleased to see the continued strengthening of the longstanding partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the State of Maryland through the Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina State Partnership Program, one of the most successful and enduring partnerships within the U.S. National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. For more than two decades, this partnership has served as a model of cooperation in defense, security, emergency preparedness, leadership development, and institutional capacity building.
Among the highlights of the visit was the delegation’s engagement with the North Atlantic Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in New York, where discussions focused on cooperation in supporting civilian authorities during natural disasters and other emergencies. With a strength of nearly 4,000 personnel and an area of responsibility that includes the European continent, the Division represents one of New York City’s most significant resources in responding to natural disasters. The visit also recognized the historic contribution of Division personnel who served with the Stabilization Force (SFOR) in the post-war reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The delegation attended the Maryland National Guard’s historic 250th Oath Ceremony at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore on July 17, where 250 newly enlisted members of the Maryland National Guard took their oath of service as part of the nationwide America250 celebration, administered by Governor Wes Moore and Maj. Gen. Birckhead. Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and Command Sgt. Maj. Larry LeCates, senior enlisted leader of the Maryland National Guard, were also part of the official party. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador to the United States, Sven Alkalaj, joined Lt. Gen. Knežević and the AFBiH delegation among the distinguished guests. MBHEC is especially pleased that the leadership of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina was able to participate in this historic occasion, reflecting the close friendship and mutual respect that have been built through more than two decades of partnership between the Maryland National Guard and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The following day, the delegation was welcomed to the Maryland State House in Annapolis for a walking tour led by Dr. Julie Shively, Maryland National Guard historian, offering an opportunity to learn more about Maryland’s rich history and democratic heritage. Maj. Gen. Birckhead, Brigadier General Craig Hunter, Director of the MDNG Joint Staff, Chief Master Sergeant Monica Aragon, senior enlisted leader for the Joint Staff, and members of the State Partnership Program office joined the delegation for the tour and a subsequent lunch.MBHEC views this visit as another important milestone in the continued development of the Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina partnership. It reflects the mutual trust, shared democratic values, and strong institutional and personal relationships that have defined cooperation between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina for more than twenty years.
As an organization dedicated to strengthening the civilian dimension of the Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina partnership, MBHEC remains committed to complementing this exceptional military cooperation by expanding collaboration in education, economic development, research, innovation, culture, public administration, emergency management, and community engagement.
MBHEC congratulates the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Maryland National Guard, the Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and all institutions involved in the successful organization of this important visit. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to further strengthen the friendship and strategic partnership between the people of Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina for generations to come.
Read more about the visit at Maryland National Guard and Armed Forces of BiH
