Brigadier Cezmi Turkgucu assumes command as Deputy Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo

(Patria) - Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, Brigadier General Matthew Valas, presided over today's official handover ceremony between the outgoing Deputy Commander, Brigadier Muharrem Aydin, and the newly appointed Deputy Commander, Brigadier Cezmi Türkgücü, which was held at Camp Butmir.

This marked the end of Brigadier Aydin's one-year mandate at NATO Headquarters Sarajevo.

During the ceremony, Brigadier General Valas thanked Brigadier Aydin for his
exceptional leadership and impact on the NATO mission in BiH.

"Over the past year, Brigadier Aydin has been more than a deputy – he has been a trusted advisor, a strong leader, and a vital pillar of this mission. I know his favorite moments were spent in the field – visiting units, barracks, and building strong professional relationships with the leadership of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of BiH. These contacts are important. They build trust, strengthen resilience, and shape the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina's defence institutions."

Finally, General Valas extended a warm welcome to Brigadier Türkgücü.

"I am fully confident that you will continue the proud traditions of your armed forces and help us all advance our common goal: a safer and more prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina."

At the end of his mission, with a deep sense of gratitude, Brigadier Aydin, the outgoing Deputy Commander, said:

"NATO's presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina is of fundamental importance for regional stability. During my mandate, I focused on translating high-level commitments into practical support on the ground. To this end, I prioritized presence across the country, visiting many barracks and facilities, including the most remote locations, to meet soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers at all levels. These visits helped build trust, deepen our understanding of local realities, and strengthen NATO's continued commitment to defence reform in BiH. I have been encouraged by the professionalism, unity, and constructive cooperation within the Armed Forces of BiH, qualities that will be of great benefit to the country in the future."

The newly appointed Deputy Commander, Brigadier Türkgücü, pledged to uphold the highest standards of leadership in NATO's vital mission to support Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"I look forward to working with all of you and further strengthening our significant cooperation with our brothers-in-arms in the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will be my privilege to work with highly qualified and dedicated professionals in achieving our common goal: the continued progress and development of Bosnia and Herzegovina."

The handover ceremony is deeply rooted in military traditions and serves a dual purpose: to honour the outgoing Deputy Commander and to officially recognise the assumption of duties by the newly appointed Deputy Commander.