Offensive operations of the infantry battalion group of the Army conducted together with the members of the Pennsylvanian National Guard from the USA have demonstrated excellent skills and interoperability on the Visitors Day of the exercise “Decisive Strike”, which took place at the army training area “Krivolak”.
On the Day of Distinguished Guests beside the President and the Supreme Commander of the Army, Stevo Pendarovski, the Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, the Minister of Defence Radmila Shekjerinska, the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski, the US Embassy’s Charge D’affaires, Micaela Schweitzer- Bluhm, there were also ministers of the government, representatives of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, high military officials from the armed forces of the USA, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece and NATO as well as ambassadors and defence attaché accredited to our country, generals of the Army and other guests.
The Day of Distinguished Guests was opened by the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski, the Commander of the Joint Operations Command, Major General Pavle Arsoski, and the Director of the exercise, Lieutenant Colonel Igor Manasovski.
General Gjurchinovski highlighted that the multinational exercise “Decisive Strike” was a demonstration of our determination, dedication and capacities to participate in current and future missions of the Alliance, as a trustworthy and a reliable ally.
After the day’s activities of the exercise the Supreme Commander of the Army, Stevo Pendarovski emphasized: “Today’s exercise demonstrates that the members of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia are on the same professional levels as the other armies of the Alliance, which has shown yet again that they are capable to represent us in all missions in the world securing global peace and safety, and that our country should become a members of the Alliance as soon as possible”.
The Prime Minister Zaev pointed out that he was proud of the members of our Army, their skills and what was demonstrated during the exercise,”I am proud of our Army, their skills and what they have demonstrated during the exercise, that is, the readiness in the activities was on the same level as the other participants. I am proud of our solders because they show that they want to improve and develop”, said the Prime Minister.
The Minister of Defence Radmila Shekjerinska said: “The Republic of North Macedonia will soon become the 30th member of the NATO Alliance. That does not mean just having a seat at the table, but it also entails participation in joint activities, training and exercises, which will guarantee peace in our country and in the world. Today we have shown to all skeptics that the Republic of North Macedonia has something to offer to the Alliance – trained and professional soldiers and officers as well as this excellent training area “Krivolak”.
The minister praised the thousands of soldiers and officers, who have spend more than a month participating actively in the exercise and the hundred officers who spent two years on planning the exercise “Decisive Strike”.
The US Embassy’s Charge D’affaires, Michaela Schweitzer- Bluhm, said that the exercise “ Decisive Strike” confirmed that, “our armies can communicate and work together thus strengthening our bond and make us feel safer”.
She emphasized that the American soldiers appreciate the opportunity to work together with their colleagues from the Republic of North Macedonia, and she expressed appreciation for the organization and the planning of the exercise.
“Decisive Strike” is the biggest exercise organized by our country and 2700 soldiers from armies of five allied countries – the USA, Lithuania, Albania, Bulgaria and Montenegro are participating.
The exercise will take place from 05.06 to 08.07.2019 at the army training area “Krivolak” and its aim is strengthening the standard operational procedures of the army units, improving the interoperability and enhancement of mutual understanding, thrust and cooperation.
