Skopje, 27 September 2024 (MIA) – Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski and Tressa Guenov, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (ISA), opened the annual bilateral defense consultations in Pentagon. 

Opening the consultations, Minister Misajlovski underlined the significance of the Macedonian-American defense cooperation all the while thanking for the important support to equip and modernize the Macedonian Army, for the advisory support in defense reforms and the three-decade support and contribution to training members of the army and defense officials, the Defense Ministry said Friday. 

Strengthening our country’s defense capacities, Misajlovski said, we remain committed to security and stability of the Balkans and beyond. 

“Misajlovski reiterated the government’s pledge to faithfully meet the obligations from the Washington Summit all the while confirming the 2025 defense budget projections, the Army’s modernization and the resumption of joint ongoing processes,” said the press release. 

As regards the country’s contribution and commitment to collective security, Misajlovski said it is evident through the participation of servicemen in NATO’s multinational forces in Latvia, Romania and Bulgaria, at regional level through the contribution to the KFOR, NATO’s Kosovo mission, the EU-led mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ALTEA, and the UN-led mission in Lebanon.

The bilateral defense consultations, held in three sessions, included top defense officials from the two countries, who discussed cooperation and future priorities of the allies, including participation in joint exercises and trainings, contribution to global peace and security, strengthening of our defense capacities and the years-long partnership with the Vermont National Guard, said the press release. 

Minister Misajlovski during his U.S. visit also met with Alton Buland, Principal Director for European and NATO Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Lieutenant General Jonathan Stubbs, Chief of the U.S. National Guard Bureau. 

Photo: MoD