Today at the “Alekso Demnievski – Bauman” barracks in Veles, the Minister of Defense Vlado Misajlovski, the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, Ambassadors of Canada and Ukraine Michelle Cameron and Larisa Dir, and senior military representatives from Canada and Poland, Army generals, and representatives of the military-diplomatic corps attended the Distinguished Visitors Day and the closing of the “Maple Arch 24” exercise, which has been implemented in our country since November 25, at the Simulation Center in Veles and at the Army Training Area “Krivolak”.
Minister Misajlovski emphasized that this exercise, which is being carried out for the 25th time and with more than 600 members from four allied and two partner countries participating, differs from all previous ones due to the combination of computer simulation and implementation in field conditions, which completes a process of conducting exercises.
“What we see here in Veles and the activities taking place in parallel at “Krivolak” are the greatest proof that the Macedonian Army offers conditions and opportunities to complete the entire training process in accordance with the highest NATO standards,” stressed Misajlovski, adding that cooperation between the armies directly affects the strengthening of interoperability and security.
In his address, the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, emphasized that this exercise is proof of our firm and clear commitment to strengthening interoperability between allies and partners, which requires exceptional dedication, training, continuity and, above all, trust.
“This can only be achieved through strong cohesion among allies, acting under the motto of the exercise “stronger together”. This means that we can acquire new experiences through integrated training and exercises. To strengthen ties with allies and partners, it is necessary to use complex operational scenarios in a multinational framework,” said General Lafchiski.
Canadian Ambassador Michelle Cameron first expressed her gratitude to the Macedonian army and state for the outstanding support for conducting the exercise and emphasized that this exercise demonstrates unity and confirms the shared commitment to global peace, stability, shared values and partnership in NATO, and that only together and with a proactive approach will we contribute to a more peaceful and secure world.
The multinational exercise “Maple Arch 24” is an exercise involving approximately 600 members of the Macedonian Army and members of the Armed Forces of Canada, Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine and Georgia. The exercise is sponsored and supported by the Directorate of Military Training and Cooperation of the Canadian Armed Forces.
