Today, the Chief of the Army General Staff, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, participated in the 29th U.S. Adriatic Charter (A-5) Chiefs of Defence Conference, held in Zadar, Republic of Croatia.
At today’s conference, hosted by the Chief of Defence of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, discussions focused on the topic “Achieving Regional Benefits.”
In his address during the conference’s thematic working sessions, General Lafchiski emphasized the importance of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as improving cooperation developed within the framework of the A-5 initiative; combating transnational organized crime and building a common regional response; and the importance of military mobility and investment in dual-use infrastructure.
Following the end of the conference, a joint statement was signed reaffirming the commitment to further strengthen and deepen defence capabilities, as well as expand military cooperation with the aim of advancing regional security.
As part of the program, General Lafchiski held a meeting with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), who also serves as Commander of the U.S. European Command (EUCOM), General Alexus Grynkewich, and with the Deputy Commander of NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Lieutenant General Peter Scott. In addition, General Lafchiski held bilateral meetings with several Chiefs of Defence from A-5 member states and with the Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, Major General Henry Harder.
Military representatives from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Slovenia and the Kosovo Security Force attended the conference as observers, while commanders of National Guards from U.S. states partnering with the A-5 member countries participated as guests.
The day before, a conference of the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers of the Armed Forces of the A-5 member states was held.
In recent years, the A-5 has established itself as an important regional framework for deepening defence cooperation, strengthening mutual trust, and advancing common security interests.
