Another successful chapter of the Southeastern Europe Brigade Headquarters (SEEBRIG) was closed with a ceremony today (15 July) at the "Boro Menkov" barracks in Kumanovo. The SEEBRIG HQ has been in our country for the past six years, after which it will continue to carry out its mission, according to the rotational basis, in Istanbul, the Republic of Türkiye.
Minister of Defence Vlado Misajlovski spoke at today's closing ceremony, emphasizing to the attendants that during these six years of mandate, our country has shown that it successfully contributes to regional and international peace and security and has demonstrated that we are a credible, reliable and active partner.
At the ceremony, which was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, representatives of the South Eastern Europe Defence Ministers' Cooperation Process (SEDM) member countries, the military-diplomatic corps, representatives from the Army and the Ministry of Defence and other high-ranking guests, Misajlovski emphasized that the presence of the HQ here in Kumanovo in the past six years has enabled further strengthening of the relations with the participating countries.
"Six years of achievements, strengthened trust and lasting friendships. That is SEEBRIG! One of the most successful examples of regional defence cooperation, built on the values ​​we all share – mutual trust, partnership, solidarity and shared responsibility for the peace, stability and security of Southeast Europe," emphasized Minister Misajlovski and added that this initiative demonstrates our clear and firm commitment to regional cooperation, collective security and respect for principles.
In his address, Misajlovski thanked the local government and the citizens of Kumanovo for the hospitality they offered, as well as all the commanders and HQ members who served here in Kumanovo, for their dedication and contribution to fulfilling the mission.
On the occasion of the end of the SEEBRIG HQ mandate and in honor of the excellent cooperation and support in the past period, the HQ Commander Brigadier General Bilbil Bitri, presented the Brigade flag to Minister Misajlovski.
Today's ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the SEDM Secretariat, Ambassador Eleftherios Angelopoulos, the Deputy Ministers of Defence of Albania, Pranvera Skana, of Bulgaria, Ljubomir Monov, and of Türkiye, Musa Heybet, as well as the Deputy Chiefs of General Staff of the other member countries of the Brigade - Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Türkiye.
