Yesterday, May 28, the Army Chief of Defense (CHOD), Major General Sashko Lafchiski participated in the 18th Balkan Countries Chiefs of Defense Conference (BCHODs Forum) held in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The annual conference, held under the name ‘A Vision for the Use of Unmanned Systems in Future Operational Environments’ was opened by the host, Chief of the General Staff of the Republic of Türkiye, General Metin Gürak.
In his address, the General first emphasized that the BCHODs forum represents a successful story of regional cooperation, and that this should make the participants proud of the efforts demonstrated in strengthening regional safety through military collaboration. Referring to the conference topic, he stated that the challenges of our time, the uncertain and complex future shaped by new trends, such as the unmanned systems, demand even more intensive cooperation between the armed forces.
The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, for whom this was the first appearance at this forum and his first visit to Türkiye, highlighted in his speech the strategic importance of the Balkans, stating: “This region continues to be among NATO’s top priorities”. Additionally, General Dragone underlined the benefits and the need for continued military cooperation among the Balkan countries.
The Army Chief of General Staff, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, in his speech, emphasized that we are currently undergoing an exceptionally difficult period, and the decisions being made now will define the future development of military power. General Lafchiski stated that the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia recognizes the importance of unmanned systems and is actively working on modernizing and strengthening these capabilities.
Referring to the importance of this forum, General Lafchiski said that we must continue with determination, unity and firm dedication, in order to build stronger, more advanced and more resilient Army and Alliance.
During the conference, General Lafchiski also had bilateral meetings and familiarized himself with the defense industry capacities of the Republic of Türkiye.
In addition to the host, Chief of General Staff of Türkiye, Lt. Gen. Metin Gürak, Army CGS Maj.Gen. Sashko Lafchiski, and the Chairman of the Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the conference was attended by the Chiefs of Defense of: Greece, General Dimitrios Choupis; Serbia, General Milan Mojsilovic; Romania, General Gheorghitâ Vlad; Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lieutenant General Gojko Knezhevic; Bulgarija, Admiral Emil Eftimov; Albania, Major General Arben Kingji; Slovenia, Lieutenant General Robert Glavash; Montenegro, CGS Colonel Mitar Klikovac; and Croatia Director of GS, Major General Denis Tretinjak.
The ‘BCHOD’ forum was established as a joint initiative by Greece and Türkiye in 2006. Officially, the initiative was established with the signing the “The Terms of Reference of the Balkan Countries CHODs Conference on Military Cooperation” by the Chiefs of Defense of the Balkan countries on May 10, 2007 in Brussels. The main goal of this initiative is to promote stability, cooperation and amicable relations among the countries in the region.
