11/03/2026

“NATO remains committed to strengthening resilient, capable and interoperable security and defence institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Agency for Education and Professional Training (AEPTM) plays an important role in that process,” said Brigadier General Matthew Valas, Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo since May 2024, during his visit to the Agency today.

During a meeting with the Agency’s leadership, headed by Director Marko Vujević, participants reviewed the highly successful cooperation between NATO and AEPTM. This cooperation is implemented within the framework of the NATO Defence Education Enhancement Programme for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was expanded to include the Agency in 2023.

Following the meeting, Director Vujević noted that the visit reaffirmed the ongoing partnership between NATO and AEPTM, which continues through projects focused on combating terrorism, tackling organised crime and developing distance learning programmes.

“We are currently working on the development of curricula on police integrity. All completed and ongoing projects aim to strengthen the capacities of police agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina to the highest possible level, with the support of international experts. During the meeting, General Valas emphasised that he will continue the work of his predecessor, General Pamela McGaha, and that NATO experts will continue to support the demanding and complex projects implemented by AEPTM in cooperation with experts from police and security institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Vujević said.

He also highlighted the Agency’s cooperation with the NATO Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism in Ankara, which has resulted in the organisation of two specialised training programmes on the protection of critical infrastructure. These programmes brought together participants from all levels of government, with experts from the United States, NATO and the European Union serving as instructors.

Thanking Director Vujević for the warm welcome, General Valas reiterated NATO’s strong commitment to supporting the development of effective and interoperable security and defence institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Mr. Vujević has already shared some details about our discussions and the challenges we face. What I learned today about this Agency is that it focuses on the fundamentals. Its mission is to build the foundations for developing the best leaders and the best professionals, and that is exactly what it is doing. The Agency remains committed to continuously improving standards, which requires constant training and professional development. Its partnerships with international institutions, the wider international community and NATO demonstrate a clear commitment to building stronger institutions that serve the common interest. NATO Headquarters Sarajevo will remain a committed partner of the Agency,” General Valas emphasised.

Responding to a journalist’s question about the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in light of current global and regional developments, General Valas noted that the country’s security institutions continuously monitor potential challenges and developments around the world.

“I cannot predict how every situation will evolve, but I can say that NATO will not allow a security vacuum. We strongly support and respect the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we continue to support reforms in the defence and security sectors, and we work closely with EUFOR Althea, which contributes to maintaining a safe and stable environment,” he said.

Following the meeting and the press briefing, General Valas toured the facilities of the Agency for Education and Professional Training, where around 200 participants from police agencies across Bosnia and Herzegovina are currently attending basic and specialised training programmes.