The delegation from the NATO Joint Force Command Naples (JFCNP), led by Admiral George M. Wikoff, arrived on 9 September, 2026, for a two-day visit to North Macedonia and the Army.
During his visit, Admiral Wikoff met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Aleksandar Nikolovski and his host, the Chief of General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski.
The discussions at the meetings focused on the current security situation in the region, achieving NATO capability goals and the possibility of conducting military exercises on Macedonian territory. Moreover, they discussed about improving interoperability and further strengthening cooperation with the Alliance.
In addition, Admiral Wikoff was informed about the opportunities offered by our country, as a state in the region that serves as a geographical crossroads for several transportation corridors. The Army plays a crucial role in ensuring the mobility, speed, initiative, resilience, and strategic depth of the Alliance.
Admiral Wikoff also highlighted the commitment of our country as an active contributor to the stability and security of the region. He commended on the professionalism and contribution of the Macedonian Army in NATO-led operations.
The importance of a unified and coordinated approach within the Alliance in managing modern security challenges was also discussed at the meetings.
