Chief of General Staff of the Army of Republic of Macedonia (ARM), Lieutenant General Metodija Velichkovski, after being welcomed with high military honors in Vienna yesterday had an official meeting with the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces (AF) of Republic of Austria, General Othmar Commenda.
At this meeting, which is scheduled in the programme of the three-day official visit to the Austrian Armed Forces by the ARM delegation many issues were addressed among which were: the migrant crisis and the security threats to the countries of South-Eastern Europe, the possibilities for deepening the bilateral cooperation through carrying out joint trainings and using the capacities of the ARM (ATA Krivolak), as well as possible joint participation in international missions under the UN and the EU flag.
General Velichkovski expressed his gratitude for the donation of night visors by the Austrian AF, and also for providing the opportunity for ARM personnel to attend military schools in Austria. Furthermore, the host was familiarized with the realized projects and achievements of the NATO Partnership Action Plan and the partnership programme, along with the process of transformation of the ARM.
Both speakers emphasized the need for sustaining mutual military cooperation, especially with the current migrant crisis which is an actual threat for destabilization of all European countries.
General Commenda expressed his gratefulness for ARM contribution in the peace support missions led by NATO and the EU, for the role of the ARM in dealing with the migrant crisis and the inter-operational capabilities of the ARM shown thereby, and also gave support for quicker integration of the Republic of Macedonia with the NATO alliance.
The delegation led by General Velichkovski also visited the Command of the Special Operations Unit where the idea for joint training with members of the ARM Special Operations Regiment and taking part in this type of exercises was considered.
During their stay in Austria, the ARM delegation is to visit the National Defense Academy, and will have meetings at the Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in Republic of Austria.
This visit, which is being realized upon invitation of the Austrian AF, and the meetings held at the highest military level are another proof of the support by the partner countries for the strategic resolution of the Republic of Macedonia and the ARM for membership in the North-Atlantic integrations.
