Skopje, 25 April 2024 (MIA) - The Kingdom of Norway handed over a donation of 76 non-combat vehicles to North Macedonia. Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska, Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski, Norwegian Ambassador Kristin Melsom and Chief of the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation Anders Jernberg addressed the handover ceremony at the Ilinden barracks on Thursday. 

Defence Minister Petrovska pointed out that the Army is going through a comprehensive modernization process and any additional support from the allies is welcome. She stressed that the donation will contribute to increasing the combat readiness of the Army. 

"Our defence budget is continuously growing, but any additional support from our allies is welcome. This Norwegian donation of 76 non-combat motor vehicles will significantly contribute to increasing the transport capabilities of the Army, i.e. its combat readiness," said Petrovska. 

The Minister mentioned the numerous projects implemented with the support of the Kingdom of Norway, including the Public Affairs Regional Center, which is currently in the phase of intensive development as an essential education and training hub for NATO and Partners' Public Affairs Personnel, which, she noted, will benefit both countries, and NATO allies.  

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to North Macedonia, Kristin Melsom, said the diplomatic ties between the two countries have grown strong over the last 30 years, with one of the milestones being North Macedonia's accession into the NATO Alliance in 2020. 

"Over the last year, we have strengthened the bond even further with the visit of his Majesty the King's Guard and our Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen, deployment of Macedonian surgical team to Afghanistan, mutual exchange of cadets, visits from officers to our brigade North and Joint Operational Headquarters and several other projects," said Melsom.    

She further highlighted the cadet exchange program, noting that such bond shows the joint commitment to the development of military cooperation, and pointing to North Macedonia's commitment to the Alliance. 

"We have seen the commitment you have shown to the Alliance. We see not only the military equipment you have provided to Ukraine, but also the increasing number of troops you have deployed in various missions. Your goal of deploying ten percent of your army structure is impressive," Melsom pointed out.  

Brigadier General Anders Jernberg said today was a day of historical significance, as we mark the largest donation of military equipment the Kingdom of Norway has ever done to a Western Balkan country. 

"While the 36 light infantry vehicles and 40 trucks from Norway that have just arrived in North Macedonia will reinforce your armed forces, they are also a testament to our common commitment to the support of Ukraine and to allied deterrence and defence. In fact, this is a prime example of how deterrence and defence through logistics collaboration within NATO ought to be performed," said Jernberg. 

Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski, pointed out that membership in the Alliance is not just for benefits, but for values ​​and principles. Gjurchinovski said the country has supported the right side in the war in Ukraine, adding that Norway has recognized that.

Photo: MIA