Skopje, 7 June 2023 (MIA) — Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and the Army's Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski are visiting Vermont to attend an event marking the 30th anniversary of the partnership between the Army and the Vermont National Guard.

According to the Ministry of Defense in a press release, the Vermont National Guard has significantly helped modernize the country's army.

"Our three-decade partnership with the Vermont National Guard has made a substantial contribution to the development of the Republic of North Macedonia's Army.

"Through military education and training opportunities at Vermont National Guard facilities, our troops have gained practical skills directly from the United States Armed Forces.

"Some 5,000 Macedonian Army members have gone through the Vermont National Guard training process, which significantly raised their skill levels to reach NATO standards," the release says.

During her visit to Vermont, Petrovska will also meet with Vermont Governor Phil Scott, National Guard Adjutant General Major General Gregory Knight, and Norwich University President Major General Mark Anarumo. She will also visit Camp Ethan Allen Training Site.

At Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, the minister of defense and the chief of defense will both attend a military exercise of Macedonian soldiers from the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear squad and the Vermont National Guard.

Petrovska and Gjurchinovski will also visit the Vermont National Guard Air Force Base and the Vermont Emergency Operations Center. mr/