The Commander of the NATO Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFCNP), Admiral George M. Wikoff, who is on his first working visit to the Army, held separate meetings with the Minister of Defense, Vlado Misajlovski, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski today.
During the meeting with Admiral Wikoff, Minister Misajlovski expressed gratitude for the support provided by NATO Allied Joint Force Command Naples to the Macedonian contingents in the KFOR mission in Kosovo and the Alliance’s multinational forces on the eastern flank. He emphasized that the country is a credible ally and an active contributor to strengthening NATO’s security.
“We are committed to strengthening regional security, as well as the collective security of the Alliance, and proof of this is the continuous contribution of Macedonian soldiers to the NATO mission in Kosovo, KFOR, and the multinational forces of the Alliance on the eastern flank,” the Minister said.
The Minister also addressed military mobility, highlighting that the country is investing in the development of Corridor 8 as a crucial corridor connecting the Black Sea with the Adriatic Sea.
During the meeting with General Lafchiski, discussions focused on the current security situation in the region, the achievement of NATO capability targets, opportunities for conducting training activities on Macedonian territory, as well as enhancing interoperability and further strengthening cooperation within the Alliance.
General Lafchiski emphasized the Army’s commitment to maintaining a high level of readiness and professionalism, as well as the active contribution the Army provides within the KFOR and ALTHEA peace support operation, and the NATO “Forward Land Forces” activity.
Admiral Wikoff commended the professionalism and contribution of the Army and the Ministry of Defense within NATO, expressing support for further deepening the partnership and cooperation with the Alliance.
During today’s meetings, the importance of a joint and coordinated approach to preserving the stability and security of the region was emphasized.
As part of the visit, Admiral Wikoff will also be received by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
