Skopje, 6 June 2024 (MIA) — The country's Chief of Army General Staff Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski took part in the 17th Balkan Countries Chiefs of Defense Conference along with the other chiefs of defence of the B-9 Forum member countries, in Durres, Albania.

According to the General Staff in a press release, conference participants discussed promoting the involvement of young people in defense and security issues, encouraging innovation and addressing challenges of recruitment and retention of army personnel. 

They also reviewed the annual reports of the permanent working groups on asymmetric threats, military education, training and coordination, the release says.

In his remarks, Lieutenant General Gjurchinovski highlighted the importance of cooperation and mutual support in all areas of importance for the armed forces and regional security.

At the sidelines of the forum, Gjurchinovski held separate bilateral meetings with all participating chiefs of defence. They discussed ways to deepen military cooperation as well as current and future joint activities, the release adds.

General Gjurcinovski also had a meeting with Allied Joint Force Command Naples Deputy Commander Stephen Kelsey and discussed the country's contribution to international operations and military exercises led by NATO.

At the conference, the Balkan countries' chiefs of defense signed a joint statement to confirm their commitment to expanding and strengthening military cooperation.

The B-9 Forum aims to boost military cooperation between Balkan states by finding ways to jointly resolve security challenges, risks and threats in the region as well as to coordinate training and education. The forum was founded at the initiative of Greece and Turkey in 2006. mr/