Today, 18 December, at the Public Affairs Regional Center in the “Goce Delchev” barracks in Skopje, the regular annual briefing with Defense Attachés took place. At the event the Minister of Defense, Vlado Misajlovski, the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, and the Dean of the Defense Attachés Association, Croatian Defense Attaché Colonel Stjepan Domjanchikj addressed the audience.
In his address, Minister Misajlovski emphasized that today’s briefing, along with the meetings held with the Defense Attachés, is a clear testament to the country’s commitment to bilateral and multilateral defense policy and cooperation. “Both my homeland and the countries you represent are part of a global international order that can function and guarantee the security of its citizens only if we cooperate sincerely and dedicatedly, with one goal ahead of us – peace, stability, and democracy,” said Misajlovski.
Misajlovski also addressed the future development of defense and the Army, highlighting that 32% of the defense budget is allocated for modernization and equipment. “Compared to 2024, this represents over 18 million euros more for new and modern equipment, for a stronger Army, and for a stronger collective defense within the NATO Alliance. This is yet another undeniable proof that our country is an active and dedicated ally,” the minister stated. He added, “The three development priorities in defense – stable budgeting, strengthening the modernization process, and fully respecting the rights and obligations of employees – have been successfully implemented, and we will continue working in the same way next year.”
General Lafchiski expressed gratitude to the Defense Attachés for their support in building and modernizing defense capacities through bilateral cooperation and numerous joint exercises. “In the upcoming year, 2025, this support and cooperation with you, as well as the support we will receive from the Ministry and the Government, will be even more prominent,” emphasized General Lafchiski.
On this occasion, the General also expressed his appreciation for the timely and selfless support provided during the firefighting efforts that took place this summer in the country. He stressed that a primary goal, in the context of regional cooperation and collaboration with partners, would be to strengthen regional cooperation by building capacities that will enhance interoperability with our allies and partners.
Colonel Stjepan Domjanchikj thanked the leadership of the Ministry and the General Staff for the opportunity to hear first-hand about the messages regarding the development of the defense sector. He highlighted that the country is recognized and valued as a NATO member and that North Macedonia’s foreign policy is fully aligned with the European Union’s foreign and security policy.
The briefing with the Defense Attachés provided a comprehensive review of mutual cooperation during the past year and included discussions on the steps to be taken in 2025.
