The Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Peace SupportOperations Training Centre (PSOTC) of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina successfully hosted the Friends of PSOTC Conference 2025 on 4 November in Sarajevo. This high-level event convened approximately 70 distinguished participants, including senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and other national institutions, representatives of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, NATO HQ Sarajevo, EUFOR, accredited defence attachés, international organisations, and partner education and training institutions.

The conference reaffirmed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s enduring commitment to peace, resilience, and international cooperation. It provided a strategic platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration, focusing on PSOTC’s achievements, future development, and opportunities for enhanced cooperation through joint projects, instructor exchanges, and professional development initiatives.

Mr. Zoran Šajinović, Assistant Minister of Defence for International Cooperation, opened the conference by highlighting PSOTC’s role as a vital link between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community: “PSOTC is more than a national institution—it is a symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to peacebuilding and shared security. Through partnerships with the United Nations, NATO, the EU, OSCE, and others, we continue to strengthen interoperability and mutual understanding.”

Brigadier General Dr Jasmin Čajić, Deputy Commander for Operations of the Support Command of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasised PSOTC’s evolution into a regional and international centre of excellence: “PSOTC stands as a testament to our commitment to peace, stability, and professional excellence. Its programs align with UN and NATO standards and reflect our strategic vision of interoperability, resilience, and global engagement.” He called for continued investment in infrastructure, curriculum development, and deeper international cooperation to ensure PSOTC remains agile and innovative.

Major General Mirsad Ahmić, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff for Resources, underscored PSOTC’s strategic importance in today’s complex security environment: “PSOTC is not merely a training centre—it is a platform where doctrine meets practice, where partnerships evolve into operational capabilities, and where the future of collective security operations is shaped through education, innovation, and collaboration.”

Brigadier General Mathew Valas, Commander of NATO HQ Sarajevo, reaffirmed PSOTC’s status as a NATO-accredited Education and Training Facility: “PSOTC continues to promote excellence, inclusivity, and international cooperation. Through NATO’s support, it remains a key contributor to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stability and a vital partner in global peace efforts.”

Colonel Damir Alibašić, PSOTC Commandant, outlined the Centre’s mission beyond training: “Our goal is to foster a mindset that embraces human security, respects diversity, and promotes operational readiness in accordance with international standards. Since our last gathering, PSOTC has expanded its course portfolio, welcomed more international participants, and launched new initiatives in instructor exchange and joint project development.” He encouraged participants to use the conference as a springboard for actionable collaboration and innovation.

Two thematic roundtables brought together senior leaders, partner institutions, and defence attachés for an engaging exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening international cooperation. Discussions highlighted opportunities to enhance global defence education networks through instructor mobility, student recruitment, and joint capacity-building initiatives, while also emphasising the critical role of defence attachés in advancing PSOTC’s mission and strategic objectives. Participants shared valuable insights and practical recommendations to improve professional development processes, facilitate instructor exchanges, attract diverse student profiles, and foster collaborative projects that reinforce PSOTC’s position as a hub for peace support training and education.

The Friends of PSOTC Conference remains a strategic asset for the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, enhancing partnerships that promote global peace and stability.

Participants reaffirmed the importance of sustained strategic investment, innovation, and a shared vision to position PSOTC as a centre of excellence and a vital contributor to international collective security efforts. The conference also highlighted the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina's enhanced capabilities and underscored the country's enduring commitment to promoting peace and security worldwide.