Maryland and Bosnia: A new chapter in partnership with the US

In addition to representatives of the US government, the diplomatic corps, and the business and academic communities of both countries, the gala was graced by addresses from the BiH Presidency Chair, Zeljko Komsic, Maryland Congressman Steny H. Hoyer, former Maryland Senator and former Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Benjamin L. Cardin, and Maryland Deputy Secretary of State Michael Lore. During the evening, Hoyer and Cardin were presented with lifetime achievement awards for the support and friendship they have provided to BiH throughout their decades of work. The evening was moderated by Una Bejtovic.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina remains firmly committed to a future based 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 civil, shows what is possible when trust, shared values, and long-term commitment unite. Therefore, let us continue building bridges between institutions, communities, and people. Let us continue investing in partnerships that strengthen democracy, security, and peace," said Chairman Zeljko Komsic.

He noted that this evening was an opportunity to thank the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, for all the support provided to the country. He recalled that the cooperation program between the Maryland National Guard and the Armed Forces of BiH is one of the most successful examples, thanks to which Bosnian soldiers now participate in peacekeeping missions alongside colleagues from much more developed nations.

Benjamin L. Cardin recalled the challenges BiH has faced since declaring independence. "We must continue advocating for a whole, free Europe at peace, just as we did four decades ago," Cardin concluded, receiving an original replica of the Sarajvo Haggadah alongside his award.

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer emphasized his desire to see the US stand with BiH as a country continuously working on reforms to overcome ethnic divisions and achieve deeper integration into the EU. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Lore accepted the "Srebrenice Flower" on behalf of Governor Wes Moore, awarded by the "Mothers of Srebrenica" for his role in declaring July 11 as Srebrenica Remembrance Day in Maryland. The flower was presented by Selver Sulejmanovic, a Srebrenica survivor living in Maryland.

Co-founder and Chair of the Exchange Council, Azra Kacapor-Nurkic, announced new initiatives focusing on academic and economic cooperation, civil protection, and diaspora mobilization as key priorities for the next five years.