Skopje, 27 December 2025 (MIA) – With a video call that bridges kilometers between the homeland and international missions, the start of the New Year was marked Saturday at the Strasho Pundzur barracks in Petrovec. While the children of the Macedonian peacekeepers serving abroad were handed out presents, state and military top officials conveyed messages of gratitude to the army servicepeople in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lebanon, Latvia, Romania, Bulgaria and Germany.

President and Supreme Commander Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova wished the peacekeepers successful work.

“It seems the world has never needed peace so much and the value of our peacekeepers and the Macedonian Army has never been more evident. I wish you continued to proudly represent the Army,” she said.

Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski said today’s event is even more significant since “it united us as a family.”

“I thank you for your service in the name of peace, security and safety of each and every one of us,” he noted.

The Chief of the General Staff, Major General Sashko Lafchiski said he is confident that all peacekeepers are completing their tasks professionally. He also thanked President Siljanovska-Davkova and the Ministry of Defense for their support. 

“I’m confident you have been doing your job professionally and I stand with all of you. I know that some of the contingents are already preparing to come back home. Your energy gives out a special essence,” he said.

This year too, Santa Claus descended from a helicopter at the barrack’s training center for pilots to hand out presents to the children. 

Photo: MIA