Misajlovski: With EU support, strengthening the Macedonian Army with the help of 40m euros in equipment

EU support, as well as our allies, is due to our sincere commitment, willingness and professionalism to respond to the preservation of peace, stability and security of the region and beyond. EU recognizes our sincere commitment to boost security, including contribution to peacekeeping operations and responded positively to a demand to strengthen the Macedonian Army with the help of 40m euros in equipment, Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski said today, who together with EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Kaya Kaya.

Misajlovski thanked Calas for the support of the Union in building Macedonian defense capacities.

-These are equipment for the needs of the engineering, the military-medical center, the lightweight infantry battalion group, logistics, intelligence-related technologies, observation, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, communication-information systems, command and control systems. This assistance also includes staff training, where necessary – Misajlovski explained, adding that the arrival of this equipment takes place as planned.

According to him, the support we receive as well as the signing of the Security and Defense Partnership with the EU is a clear indication that the Union values ​​our country’s partnership and compliance with the EU’s common security and defense policy.

– Today we are here, at the headquarters of the Balkan medical purpose forces, an international organization that includes regional medical forces related to the quick response to a wide range of situations. This organization provides a significant continuity to strengthen regional cooperation and promote good neighborly relations. This regional capacity was recognized as a strategic regional tool and on that basis the EU decided to support the development and improvement of the military medical forces of all member states with the purchase of new modern equipment worth six million euros, of which two million euros were earmarked for our country – Misajlovski said.

As a country seen in the large European family and a NATO member state, he said, defense cooperation is a priority.

EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Kaya Calas said after visiting the Balkan Medical Task Force headquarters that it was a strong example of regional co -operation.

– The EU supports this initiative, both politically and financially because it accurately reflects what we are advocating in the Western Balkans, confidence, partnership and achieving visible results for people. This initiative is even more important because it relates to life -saving lives. We also support Northern Macedonia through bilateral military aid – said Calas.

She informs that the EU has set aside 38m euros for the Army of Northern Macedonia, including the last tranche of 15m euros, approved in April.

« Northern Macedonia is a trusted partner, fully harmonized with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, contributing to EU operations, especially in the European Union (EUFOR) mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we appreciate it, » Kalas said.