Today, the Commander of the National Guard of the U.S. state of Vermont, Major General Gregory Knight, visited the General Staff of the Army and the Ministry of Defense, during his official visit to the Republic of North Macedonia and the Army.
After being welcomed with high military honors, General Knight held meetings with his host, the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, and with the Minister of Defense, Vlado Misajlovski. The meeting was also attended by the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of North Macedonia, H.E. Angela Aggeler.
Misajlovski expressed gratitude for General Knight’s previous engagement and personal contribution, noting the three-decade partnership and cooperation between the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Vermont National Guard. “Together, we have improved interoperability, training programs, and readiness, which are key elements of our shared commitment to peace and security. It has been a privilege to work with you,” said Misajlovski. He also added that under General Knight’s leadership, “the cooperation between the Vermont National Guard and our Army, through which we have carried out numerous activities such as participation in peace support operations, joint exercises, training, and service personnel education, not only continued but became stronger, deeper, and more significant.”
On this occasion, General Lafchiski thanked General Knight for the long-lasting cooperation, emphasizing: “You are one of the few people who have supported all units in the Army, and your work is recognized and highly valued by us.” Additionally, General Lafchiski emphasized the existing cooperation and opportunities for its further development, particularly in the development of the ATA “Krivolak”, joint training of Army personnel with the Vermont National Guard, and participation in international exercises.
General Knight emphasized that this partnership represents “a truly extraordinary experience” for him, adding that the progress, joint achievements, and professionalism demonstrated over the years “are truly impressive and deserving of recognition.” He thanked them for the hospitality, camaraderie, and friendship between the Army and the Vermont National Guard.
As a token of gratitude for the successful cooperation and due to the conclusion of General Knight’s mandate, a ceremony was organized at the General Staff of the Army where Minister Misajlovski and General Lafchiski presented the Commander of the Vermont National Guard with appropriate gifts. On this occasion, for achieving special results and accomplishments in coordination and cooperation with the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia, General Lafchiski awarded a gold partnership badge to Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Enriquez for his service in the U.S. Defense Cooperation Office in our country, which he did from 2017 to 2020.
At the end of the official ceremony, General Knight awarded General Lafchiski the Distinguished Service Medal of the Vermont National Guard, an award given for exceptional and vital support to the U.S. State Partnership Program. In this regard, General Knight emphasized General Lafchiski’s leadership and expertise, which have a direct positive impact on the Republic of North Macedonia’s efforts to achieve NATO goals as a valued partner.
After these events at the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense, the Commander of the Vermont National Guard will meet with the President of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Gordana Siljanovska Davkova.
Tomorrow, General Knight will visit the Military Academy “General Mihailo Apostolski”, where meetings with the leadership of this higher education institution are planned.
As part of his five-day official visit that began on December 7, 2025, General Knight met with the Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski yesterday.
