Lafchiski: NATO membership reflecting commitment to collective security, democracy, freedom and stability

Army Chief of Staff General Sasko Lafciski said today that the fifth anniversary of the country’s accession to NATO is not only our commitment to collective security but that it is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to democratic values, freedom and freedom.

Five years ago, Lafchiski said, we fulfilled one of our most important strategic goals – NATO membership, and the road was not easy at all. Today, the Army Chief of General Staff added, our determination, hard and dedicated work is easily recognizable.

-Our troops proudly carry the Macedonian flag in the composition of the spilled forces on the Eastern NATO wing in Romania, Bulgaria and Latvia. Army members deployed in the KFOR mission in Kosovo along with other NATO member states care and contribute to regional security, stability and peace daily. As part of the most powerful military family side by side with our allies we are ready to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in accordance with the concept of distraction and defense of the Alliance- said Lafciski.

In the past five years, he said, we have managed to significantly improve the abilities of the army.

– We have additionally managed to set future priorities and identify the challenges for the coming period, a period in which we should successfully complete the transformation, modernization and equipping of the Army. A period in which we must apostrophically our strengths, address our challenges and prepare for the variable platform of global challenges in the 21st century. Our goal continues to create a modern, mobile and technologically advanced army- said the Army Chief of Staff.

As he pointed out, our NATO membership is a guarantee of peace and stability in the country, but also the basis for progress and a symbol of our commitment. Let this anniversary, Lafchiski added, be a reminder that we are stronger together.

Expressing deep condolences and respect for the victims in Kocani, Lafchiski said this loss is an immense pain for families, closest and entire nation. The injuries wished them a speedy recovery and strength to move forward and told them that they were not alone, and that their struggle was our struggle.

-In these difficult times we saw hope, we saw heroes, young people who showed unprecedented courage, saving lives sacrificing their own lives. We have seen a quick reaction and impeccable coordination between institutions, we have seen that the common good is much greater than individual interest. It turned out to be a work that is the value of alliance, friendship and good neighborliness. In the most difficult moments after the tragedy we saw how the region and the entire continent mobilized in unselfish support, we saw in action that NATO in its original form expressed through unselfish support through member states- said Lafchi thanking.

President Gordana Siljanovska Davkovska, Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski, as well as the commander of the Joint Command of the Allied Forces in Naples, Admiral Stewart, addressed the celebration of the fifth anniversary of NATO in NATO membership at the Ilinden barracks.