Members of the US Congress had an opportunity to hear for the first time from the CGS of ARM about the efforts that the Republic of Macedonia makes in the area of defense in order to gain full membership in the Euro Atlantic structures. He talked about the security challenges in the region and the importance of the USA support connected by the strategic partnership with the USA.
These topics were included in the speech of Lieutenant General Metodija Velichkovski who together with the Commander of the National Guard of Vermont, Major General Steven Cray, addressed the congressmen from the federal states of the USA including, Michigan, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Mississippi in the Congress of the USA yesterday.
“The lessons learned in today’s world is, that there is no country that can face all security challenges on its own. Hence, there is no other alternative for the Republic of Macedonia on its way to the Euro Atlantic integrations except joint effort with other countries. From the first day of the independence of the Republic of Macedonia, Macedonian political and military leadership are unanimous in the vision that Macedonian national security must be built within the collective security. We invest in that process, support it, and we will keep up our dedication to stay on that course” said, Lieutenant General Velichkovski.
At his address, the members of the US Congress heard about the current reality of security in the Republic of Macedonia and in the region. The reality is shaped by the threats which come with the complexity of migration crisis and other security challenges such as, terrorism, crime, cyber security hazards, natural disasters and other contemporary security issues which go over state borders and influence all countries equally.
Thus, the necessity of joint action and new concept in the collective security is inevitable.
Afterwards, at the meeting with the Congressmen, a few things were discussed, including the positive results from the cooperation between ARM and the Armed Forces of the USA, through the partnership program for cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the National Guard of Vermont.
The Congressmen stressed the continuous support of the USA in strengthening of the defense capacities and increasing the combat readiness in order to achieve full interoperability of ARM with the armies of the NATO member countries.
Lieutenant General Velichkovski mentioned the benefits and experiences gained from the joint participation of ARM personnel and the colleagues of the USA Armed Forces in peacekeeping missions and international military exercises.
During the visit, the delegation of ARM had several separate meetings with the US Congressmen when they discussed the necessity for further support of the Republic of Macedonia and ARM in achieving Macedonian aspirations to full NATO membership.
