Skopje, 30 August 2024 (MIA) - Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski and Turkish Ambassador Fatih Ulusoy attended Friday a handover ceremony of military equipment donated to the country’s Army by the Republic of Turkey.

The donated equipment includes drones, communication equipment, night vision goggles and other equipment.

At the ceremony held in the Ilinden military barracks in Skopje, Turkish Ambassador Ulusoy said he is honored “to witness one of the most significant moments of the long-standing friendship between the two countries”. 

“The equipment that is being donated doesn’t represent just one grant, but it is a symbolic sign of our support aimed at strengthening the defensive capacities of North Macedonia. I am especially glad that this handover ceremony coincides with August 30 – Victory Day (Turkish Armed Forces Day) which holds special military significance for Türkiye,” the Turkish Ambassador stressed.

The Ambassador noted that the relations between the two countries are founded on deeply rooted historical, cultural and interpersonal ties. He stressed that they are committed to further developing cooperation and support. 

“Together with our friend and ally North Macedonia, we will continue to work on establishing peace, security and stability in the region and beyond. I use this occasion to affirm our willingness to strengthen our military cooperation with North Macedonia,” Ulusoy underlined.

Defense Minister Misajlovski said the donation demonstrates the friendship and the mutual commitment “visible more than three decades”. 

“That’s why I am especially glad that today as Defense Minister I have the honor to extend congratulations to our allies over their national holiday – Victory Day and Turkish Armed Forces Day. The donation provided by the Republic of Turkey once again demonstrates the sincere and lasting friendship that exists between our people. In the name of the Macedonian people and Army, I thank the Turkish people and country for this donation which will allow us to strengthen the capacities of our Army, thereby strengthening the peace, security and stability of the Alliance,” Misajlovski said.

The Defense Minister stressed that Turkey’s assistance has “significantly contributed to the modernization and equipping of the Macedonian Army with state-of-the-art equipment in line with NATO standards”. 

Photo/Video: MIA