Today, in the “Alekso Demnievski-Bauman” barracks in Veles, the Minister of Defense Vlado Misajlovski together with the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, the Ambassadors of Canada and Ukraine Michelle Cameron and Larisa Dir and senior military officials from Canada and Poland attended the DV Day and the closing of the “Maple Arch 24” exercise, which has been taking place in our country since November 25, in the Simulations Center in Veles and at “Krivolak” Army training ground.
Minister Misajlovski pointed out that this exercise, which is being carried out for the 25th time and in which more than 600 members from four allied and two partner countries are participating, differs from all previous ones due to the combination of computer simulation and implementation in field conditions, which completes the process of exercise execution.
“What we see here in Veles and the activities that are taking place in parallel at “Krivolak” are the greatest proof that the Macedonian Army offers conditions and opportunities to complete the entire training process in accordance with the highest NATO standards”, Misajlovski pointed out and added that the cooperation between the armies directly affects the strengthening of interoperability, but also security.
Misajlovski congratulated all members of the participating countries who, with their professionalism, dedication and motivation, successfully conducted this jubilee exercise and thanked the Canadian allies for their support in the organization.
“The mutual commitment to the development of defense cooperation is also visible through this kind of joint training and exercises that will continue in the future,” Misajlovski stressed.
The event was addressed by the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, who emphasized that the execution of this type of exercises is a proof of the training, continuity and cohesion among the members, which enables the strengthening of ties with allies and partners and the achievement of new experiences in a multinational environment.
Canadian Ambassador Michelle Cameron first and foremost thanked the Macedonian army and state for the outstanding support for the exercise and emphasized that this exercise shows unity and confirms the common commitment to global peace, stability, common values and partnership in NATO and that only together and with a proactive approach we will contribute to a more peaceful and safer world.
The multinational exercise “Maple Arch 24” is an exercise in which about 600 members of the Macedonian Army and members of the armed forces of Canada, Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine and Georgia participate. The exercise is sponsored and supported by the Canadian Forces Military Training and Cooperation Directorate.
