On Friday at Camp Butmir, Colonel Mahmut Sert assumed command of the Turkish contingent from Colonel Ahmet Kösem. The ceremony was attended by COM EUFOR Major General Florin Marian Barbu, DCOM EUFOR Brigadier General Uberto Incisa di Camerana, COS EUFOR Brigadier General Tibor Szabó, H.E. Emin Akseki, Ambassador of Türkiye to Bosnia and Herzegovina, NATO HQ Sa Commander Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas, and senior representatives from the Armed Forces of BiH.
Colonel Kösem shared: “It has been an honor to serve with you. I leave with a deep sense of gratitude, and I wish EUFOR continued success in its noble endeavor to maintain peace, stability, and cooperation in our region.”
Colonel Sert added: “Together, we will continue our mission with respect, clear vision, and strong will, staying true to the values we share.”
COM EUFOR Major General Barbu thanked Colonel Kösem for his unwavering dedication and wished him continued success in his future assignments. He also extended his full support and best wishes to Colonel Sert as he takes on his new role.
The event concluded with an outstanding performance by the Mehteran Unit, one of the world's oldest military bands and a proud symbol of Turkish cultural and military heritage.
On Sunday, the Mehteran Unit also delivered a special artistic program dedicated to all EUFOR personnel stationed at Camp Butmir.