NATO HQ Sarajevo Commander Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas presided over the formal transfer of authority ceremony that took place today at the BIH Armed Forces Hall, between the outgoing Deputy Commander Colonel Bahri Yıldız and the incoming Deputy Commander Colonel Muharrem Aydın.
This brings an end to Colonel Yıldız one year tour of duty with NATO HQ Sarajevo.
Photo: NATO Headquarters Sarajevo.
During the ceremony, BG Valas thanked Colonel Yıldız for his exceptional leadership at NATO HQ Sarajevo:
Colonel Yildiz has guided our advisory teams astutely in their efforts to enhance Armed Forces of BiH and Ministry of Defence capabilities across a wide spectrum; to include personnel reform, parliamentary oversight, civil defence, the regimental system, defence property reform and ammunition, weapons and explosives disposal. He has been a dedicated champion for Women, Peace and Security, working closely with leading proponents in Armed Forces of BiH promoting NATO’s values with real and long-lasting effect
Leaving the mission with deep sense of gratitude, Colonel Yıldız, the outgoing Deputy Commander, stated:
“Partnership between NATO and BiH remains as an insurance for peace, security and prosperity of this country, and it has been a privilege for me to work together with our BiH partners for this purpose….I look forward to seeing the continued success and progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina and all its citizens, who deserve peace, prosperity and happiness.”
Photo: NATO Headquarters Sarajevo.
The incoming Deputy Commander, Colonel Aydın, pledged to uphold the highest standards of leadership and service in this critical role at NATO HQ Sarajevo.
“I am committed to working with our partners to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for this country. I believe that together, we can make a difference.”
The change of authority ceremony is steeped in military traditions and serves the dual function of rendering honours to the departing deputy commander and providing official recognition of the transfer of authority to the incoming deputy commander.