Today (15, October 2015) a delegation of the Armed Forces (AF) of the Republic of Croatia, led by Chief of GS General Drago Lovric, was welcomed in GS of ARM with military honors.
Addressing the media CHOD General Metodija Velickovski evaluated the cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia as excellent, especially the implementation of joint projects within the US-Adriatic Charter and joint participation in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, emphasizing the project of Military Police School for the Afghan security forces, led by Croatia. The Chief of General Staff noted that the bilateral cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia will continue, with emphasis on new projects that will contribute to the faster admission of Macedonia in NATO.
Praising the excellent cooperation with ARM, General Lovric emphasized that the joint deployment of both armies in peace support operations is an expression of great confidence, which continues with participation in exercises and implementation of projects under the “smart defense” and other military-technical cooperation. On this occasion, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Croatia mentioned the education of Macedonian officers and non-commissioned officers in military educational institutions of the Republic of Croatia, proud of their commitment. General Lovric noted the strong support given by the Republic of Croatia to our country to join NATO, and stressed that members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia will continue to express that support publically.
At the meeting with CHOD of the Republic of Croatia Deputy Defense Minister Iljmi Selami expressed gratitude to the Republic of Croatia and its armed forces for their comprehensive support to Euro-Atlantic integration of Macedonia, underlining that cooperation in the field of defense between the two countries will increase in the forthcoming period.
Besides promotion of bilateral military cooperation, the experience from international missions, and current security in the region, the meeting in General Staff also focused on the ongoing refugee crisis.
During his stay in the country, CHOD of the Republic of Croatia will visit the training center for pilots to be familiarised with the training capabilities of the facility.
