Kumanovo, 7 December 2023 (MIA) – Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and U.S. Ambassador Angela Aggeler visited Thursday members of the United States Armed Forces for Europe and Africa, as well as members of the Army of North Macedonia, who are participating in the “Brave Partner 23” exercise at the Krivolak army field. Both the Minister and the Ambassador said the exercise will boost the joint trust, friendship and partnership.

“We had a chance to see a part of the exercise that is being led by the U.S. Armed Forces for Europe and Africa, where 180 army members are training at the Krivolak army field. For us, this is important from two aspects. Firstly, once again Krivolak is being used by our allies, which demonstrates the mutual trust that we have. However, it is also a good opportunity for the members of the Macedonian Army to see the capabilities of the Stryker vehicles which will soon be a part of the Macedonian army, and we expect the first vehicles to start to arrive from the end of 2024,” said Petrovska.

The exercise, Petrovska emphasized, demonstrates the unity and partnership, which he said are essential during the current challenging times.

Ambassador Aggeler thanked the Defense Minister and the military of North Macedonia for their ongoing partnership and friendship. She said the exercises demonstrate the importance of the partnership and friendship.

“I want to thank Brigadier General Ellis for making it possible to bring the 2nd Cavalry down for these exercises. The more that we do together, the better prepared we are, the greater our interoperability, and the better prepared this country is in meeting the needed NATO capabilities,” said Aggeler.

In answer to a journalist’s question, Minister Petrovska said 120 members of the Ukrainian Army previously held a month-long training at the Krivolak army field.

“Mainly, the training was structured in line with their needs. Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine is still ongoing and of course, the Krivolak army field will remain available for the needs of the Ukrainian army if there is a need for further training,” said the Minister.

Photo: MIA