The Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, at the invitation of Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFCNP), attended the official Change of Command Ceremony of the KFOR mission today. The ceremony was held at the mission’s headquarters at Camp Film City in Prishtina.
During the ceremony, presided over by Admiral Wikoff, the outgoing commander, Major General Özkan Ulutaş, formally handed over command to Major General Roberto Vergori.
As part of the visit, General Lafchiski held meetings with Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFCNP); Lieutenant General Giovanni Maria Iannucci, Commander of the Italian Joint Operations Command; and Lieutenant General Gianluca Carai, Commander of NATO’s Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy (NRDC-ITA). The meetings highlighted the importance of joint action and coordination among Allied nations, which remain firmly committed to collective security and strengthening defense capabilities within the area of responsibility.
General Lafchiski also visited the members of the Macedonian contingent carrying out activities in the Dechani area, as well as the Regional Command – West in Peja, where he also met with its commander, Colonel Giuseppe De Blasi. On this occasion, the high level of professionalism, dedication and contribution of Army personnel in carrying out their assigned tasks was highlighted, along with the excellent cooperation between the Army and KFOR forces. During his meeting with the peacekeepers, General Lafchiski was briefed firsthand on the current challenges they face in performing their duties. He encouraged them to continue representing the Army and the country with dignity and professionalism throughout this international mission.
The Army of the Republic of North Macedonia has been part of the KFOR mission since November 2020. Currently, the Macedonian contingent consists of two platoons deployed within the Regional Command-West, as well as staff officers serving at the mission headquarters in Prishtina.
