Today, a donation of drones, communications equipment, night visors and quartermaster equipment from the Republic of Türkiye was handed over at “Ilinden” barracks in Skopje for the needs of the Army special units.
The Minister of Defense, Vlado Misajlovski, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, accredited to our country, Fatih Ulusoy, and the Chief of General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski spoke at the donation ceremony.
Minister Vlado Misajlovski, in his address, congratulated the national holiday – Victory Day and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Türkiye and emphasized that today’s donation is a manifestation of alliance and friendship in action and is the result of mutual commitment visible for more than three decades.
“The donation from the Republic of Türkiye once again proves the true and lasting friendship between our nations. On behalf of the Macedonian people and the Army, I thank the Turkish people and state for this donation, which will enable the strengthening of the capacities of our Army, and thus enhance the peace, security and stability of the Alliance”, Minister Misajlovski pointed out.
The Minister underlined that Türkiye is our steadfast friend and partner and that their support has significantly contributed to the modernization and equipping of the Macedonian Army with new state-of-the-art equipment in accordance with NATO standards.
“My message to our Turkish friends and allies is that as Minister of Defense, I will continue to advocate for even closer cooperation that has a common goal – a safer region and a stronger Alliance,” Misajlovski said.
Addressing the audience, Ambassador Ulusoy stressed that the relations between the two countries derive their strength from deep-rooted historical, cultural and interpersonal ties and that the military equipment donated is not just a grant, but a symbolic sign of support in view of strengthening the defense capacities of our country.
“With over 50 signed contracts, we have built our military relations on a solid foundation. We have been your ally, which powerfully supported your membership in NATO,” emphasized Ambassador Ulusoy.
The Chief of General Staff, General Lafchiski, emphasizing the importance of the donation, expressed his gratitude to the Republic of Türkiye for the support in building the Army’s capacities.
“The continuous assistance we receive from the Republic of Türkiye in building our defense capabilities is extremely important for us. Today, with this donation to our special forces battalion, which includes drones, communications equipment, night vision devices and quartermaster equipment, we confirm the success of our bilateral cooperation,” said General Lafchiski.
