Minister of Defence Vlado Misajlovski, today (27 March), at the Ministry, met with the Deputy Minister of Defence of Turkey, Musa Heybet, to whom he thanked for the medical assistance provided by our friends in Turkey in caring for some of the injured in the tragedy in Kochani.
“Our two countries have been exceptionally close for decades and we can see this in action. I would like to express the heartfelt gratitude of the entire Macedonian people for your selfless support in caring for some of the injured in the fire in Kochani. Friends in need are friends indeed, and both countries have shown that they stand behind each other whenever there is a need”, said the minister at the meeting.
In the context of defence cooperation, Misajlovski said that it was an example of how allies cooperate and support each other.
“The Macedonian Army is being modernized and equipped with equipment produced in allied Turkey, which shows that it is in accordance with the highest standards of the Alliance and that we have absolute confidence in the Turkish military industry”, said the minister.
This year, the “Boran” artillery howitzers, as well as the fire control system for artillery guns from the company “Aselsan”, are expected to arrive in the Army’s arsenal.
Turkey is one of the largest supporters of the development of the capacities of the Macedonian Army – through donations of various types of vehicles, weapons and ammunition, as well as information and communication equipment. Over 60 Macedonian officers, non-commissioned officers and professional soldiers have been educated at the renowned National Defence University in Turkey, and around 700 defence officials and members of the Army have completed their training at the training centers in Ankara. Through the Agreement on Military and Financial Support, Turkey continues to support the development of the Macedonian defence in the years to come.
