Brigadier General Matthew Valas today assumed command of the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo from Brigadier General Pamela McGaha.
Commander of the NATO Joint Force Command in Naples, Admiral Stuart Mange, emphasized that today marks the 18th handover of command duties at the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, representing the Alliance’s enduring commitment to supporting the institutions of BiH in implementing defense and security sector reforms.
“For over 20 years, the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo has collaborated with BiH and worked on security and institutional reforms to ensure lasting peace and security in BiH,” said Mange, reminding that McGaha has been at the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo for over two years and has worked with partners in BiH.
Valas expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to BiH after 23 years.
“I am ready to serve with this team of dedicated, experienced, multinational experts, who tirelessly work to increase the institutional capacities of defense and the capabilities of the Armed Forces of BiH to improve the lives of every citizen in BiH,” said Valas.
He pledged to work on increasing professional exchanges between NATO allies and BiH.
McGaha stated that the bond between BiH and NATO countries has been deepened with an enhanced package of support for building the capacity and resilience of key institutions in BiH.
“We have taken concrete steps to accelerate the destruction of surplus ammunition and have helped emphasize the imperative of increasing the number of women working in all areas of defense, security, and diplomacy,” said McGaha.
She emphasized that NATO remains committed to ensuring lasting peace and security for all citizens of BiH.
Source: RTRS
