Skopje, 13 August 2024 (MIA) – Officers and non-commissioned officers were promoted Tuesday at a ceremony at the General Mihailo Apostolski Military Academy with addresses delivered by North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski and the first lieutenant Milica Perishikj.

Addressing the event, President Siljanovska Davkova called on the promoted officers and non-officers to execute their tasks responsibly as defenders of the freedom of the homeland saying she expects them to tackle both the traditional and the new hybrid threats in the physical and cyber space.

“You’ve become officers amid global insecurity, geopolitical tensions and military conflicts. As officers of a NATO army, you are expected to meet the highest professional standards and top criteria. I’m confident you will take active part in tackling the traditional as well as the new asymmetric and hybrid threats in the physical and cyber space,” she said.

By taking part in peace missions and operations, Siljanovska Davkova added, you will contribute to collective security and defense, but please, do not ever forget, where you come from, that you are here first and foremost for the Macedonian citizens and to defend the Macedonian republic.

Minister Misajlovski said today’s promotion was a recognition of their hard work and proof for the trust they’ve been given to join, as he said, the institution enjoying the highest public trust.

Cadets from Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina are promoted into first officers for the first time this year at the Military Academy, he stated.

“This shows our commitment to regional stability and security. We created human capacities, officers, who in the past four years lived together, were educated and trained together how to tackle the tasks ahead. I believe you will remain friends and you will contribute together to strengthening peace, security and stability in the region and the Alliance,” said Misajlovski. 

38 cadets were promoted into lieutenants, including 24 Macedonian Army lieutenants – 12 women and 12 men - eight from Montenegro and six from Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Photo: Defense Ministry