Ohrid, 18 August 2024 (MIA) - This day serves as a reminder that we liberated ourselves and were not liberated by others. The Macedonian state was not a gift but was fought for and earned through a just and challenging national liberation struggle... You, the soldiers, officers, cadets, and veterans of the Army, are the true protectors of the heritage of our free Macedonian state, established 80 years ago by our brave ancestors at ASNOM, said the President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, during her speech at the central ceremony marking the Day of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia-August 18, which took place Sunday in Ohrid.

On this occasion, Siljanovska-Davkova noted that our strength comes from the unity of our differences - ethnic, religious, linguistic, generational, gender, and ideological.

"You are all connected and bound by the solemn oath to defend the freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the state. It is a vital and ongoing need and honor to carry out your military duties with discipline, integrity, and diligence, as you have done so far. You do this continuously and flawlessly... most notably with the unwavering support and assistance you provide to Macedonian citizens and institutions in dealing with natural disasters such as the fires this summer. You are a crucial peacekeeper and a potential asset during these challenging times of great uncertainty," she said.

The President pointed out that, most importantly, alongside their active international presence, the members of the Army are here at home, always and everywhere where they are most needed.

“While we celebrate this day, some members of the Army are battling wildfires across the country. At this moment, they are helping with firefighting, protecting citizens, and safeguarding property... For years, they have regularly been engaged in supporting institutions in dealing with natural disasters and crisis situations. They have always done this professionally and selflessly, which is why the Army continuously enjoys the highest level of trust among Macedonian citizens," she noted, using the opportunity to highlight the need for reforms in the protection and rescue system and crisis management, to identify and correct institutional and professional inconsistencies, and to create a logical and efficient crisis management system.

The President, in her capacity as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Sashko Lafchiski as the new Chief of the General Staff of the Army, succeeding Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski who held the position for the previous two terms.

The newly appointed 12th Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Lafchinski, stated immediately upon assuming office that he is greatly honored to lead an institution that is synonymous with values and principles, but that the responsibility is even greater…

"I will dedicate all my knowledge, experience, and capacity to fulfilling the Army's mission, in preparing it for the defence and protection of the state and safeguarding national interests, both at home and abroad," Lafchinski said.

The Chief of the General Staff mentioned that he will keep working on strengthening the Army's capacities and capabilities, integrating developmental plans with the Transformation Plan and modernization efforts to achieve the highest possible combat readiness and improve interoperability with allies and partners.

"Integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior must be the foundation of our Army. We serve the citizens and must always be worthy of their trust. Therefore, I expect each of you to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all its forms. From this position, I have even greater faith in the power of teamwork and inclusiveness... that is why I call for strengthening the team towards new victories," he said, while outlining his plans and priorities, including putting into operational use the armaments and equipment provided according to the modernization plan.

On behalf of the government, the Minister of Defence, Vlado Misajlovski, addressed the attendees at the ceremony, thanking the members of the Army for their professionalism and their sacrifices, which have always been at the forefront of defending the homeland. He acknowledged their role in protecting citizens during crises and their contribution to regional and global security through NATO and UN missions... 

"In these challenging times, bilateral and regional cooperation is of utmost importance, as is cooperation with the EU, but particularly with our neighboring countries... What lies ahead in our work is to maintain a stable and secure state and to preserve peace on a global scale. This involves developing new strategic documents, a new defence strategy, updating the long-term plan for defence capability development, and the management and modernization plan, which are essential for addressing new challenges," said Misajlovski, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring a defence budget that will continue to grow and exceed the minimum two percent of GDP.

He underscored the steadfast commitment to improving the capacities of the Army and other security institutions, as well as institutions focused on education and training, such as the Military Academy, the Institute for Security, Defense, and Peace, and the Faculty of Security.

The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, government ministers, members of Parliament, former defence ministers and chiefs of the General Staff, retired generals, distinguished guests from various institutions, the Vermont National Guard adjutant general Colonel Gregory Knight, the diplomatic corps in North Macedonia, and others.

Photo: MIA/ President’s Office