Sarajevo, 13 June 2025 – The Peace Support Operations Training Centre (PSOTC) of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina successfully concluded the Defence Attaché Orientation Course in Defence and Diplomacy, held from 08 to 13 June 2025 in Sarajevo. The course brought together 30 participants from eight countries, including 20 from Bosnia and Herzegovina and 10 from international partner nations, reflecting a strong commitment to international cooperation and professional development.

Organized in close collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Austrian in Bosnia and Herzegovina and supported by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the course aimed to provide future defence attachés with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to operate effectively in complex international security environments.

The opening ceremony was marked by the presence of high-ranking officials, including Major General Mirsad Ahmić, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Resources, and Brigadier General Matthew Valas, Commander of NATO HQ Sarajevo, underscoring the strategic importance of the initiative.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in a dynamic curriculum covering multilateral defence engagement, diplomatic protocol, security policy, and intercultural communication. The course featured expert-led sessions, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities, fostering both professional growth and international collaboration.

The closing ceremony recognized the students' accomplishments and underscored the course's effectiveness in enhancing defence diplomacy. In his address, Lieutenant Colonel Damir Alibasic, Commandant of the Peace Support Operations Training Centre (PSOTC), praised the students for their commitment and active engagement. He emphasized the crucial role of defence attachés as ambassadors of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect. Brigadier General Dr. Jasmin Cajic, Deputy Commander of the Support Command for Operations of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, noted that the knowledge and skills acquired by the students during the course extend well beyond academic learning, serving as essential tools in their significant responsibilities as defence attachés. He further noted that they have consistently embraced every opportunity for learning and personal growth, and their dedication to fostering international cooperation and ensuring global security is commendable, reflecting positively on their respective nations.

Special recognition was given to key partners and contributors: The Embassy of the Republic of Austria in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the GCSP team of subject matter experts, the Defence Attaché Association in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, the Faculty of Criminalistics, Criminology and Security Studies at the University of Sarajevo, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Security, the Ministry of Defence, and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The course concluded with a strong sense of accomplishment and optimism as students return to their respective duties with enhanced capabilities and a broadened international network.

PSOTC remains committed to advancing international cooperation through high-quality training and worldwide partnerships.