Today, at the Army House in Skopje the completion of the 12-year-long peacekeeping mission ISAF, which was realized in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, was ceremonially marked.
On this occasion, the Minister of Defense of Republic of Macedonia, Zoran Jolevski pointed out that starting from 2002 as part of the Turkish contingent, in a coalition of approximately 50 NATO member and partner countries, the ARM with around 3 thousand Macedonian peacekeepers in the ISAF mission considerably contributed to the retaining of peace and building of a more developed democracy and better safety in Afghanistan. On the other hand, stated the minister, the Macedonian peacekeepers and the Army as a whole, gained legitimacy and acknowledgement of a secure, reliable and trained partner in the face of NATO and the other partners.
The Chief of the GS of the ARM, Lieutenant General Gorancho Koteski thanked the members who participated in the ISAF mission, for their unselfish dedication, professionalism and solidarity.
He highlighted that the ISAF mission is a turning point on the international scene and as such is an example of a successful accomplishment of the common goal realized by multiple nations.
General Koteski stated that the ARM, as part of the coalition forces, successfully organized and met all the challenges imposed by the situation. The ARM showed that it is an equal partner to the other countries, no matter whether they are NATO members or not. The Chief of the GS of the ARM, also added that as a Chief of the GS of the ARM he is especially honored by the sincere compliments by the military and political authorities of ISAF, who said that they felt safe in that command, and that the Macedonian soldiers were professional, responsible and brave.
The Ambassador of Republic of Turkey, Omur Sholendil and the U.S. Ambassador, Paul Wohlers also gave speeches at the ceremony.
Besides them, the ceremony on the occasion of the completion of the ISAF mission in Afghanistan was attended by the Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Norway, the Chez republic, Republic of France, Republic of Greece and Republic of Italy, accredited in the Republic of Macedonia.
The Minister of Defense, Jolevski, took advantage of the ceremony to hand Certificates of Appreciation to the Ambassadors of the countries supporters of the ARM participation in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
