President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova attended today the “Flash 26” exercise, which is part of the NATO program, which was implemented from 19 to 27 April at the “Krivolak” training field.
According to her, it was once again proven that the highest marks for the Light Infantry Battalion Group are not accidental, but are based on the demonstrated knowledge, discipline, experience and responsibility of the Macedonian Army, which profile it as an equal, qualified and credible member of the Alliance.
For her, “Flash 26” is a successfully passed test of the Macedonian readiness for a quick and efficient military response to the real challenges facing the world, in an environment of tectonic changes in the international order and growing threats to peace and security.
The attendees followed the implementation of the tactical exercise “Introduction of a Light Infantry Battalion Group (LIBG) in Offensive Operations”.
After the exercise, the President congratulated the participants on the successful implementation of the exercise.
The event was also addressed by the Minister of Defense, Vlado Misajlovski, the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sasko Lafciski, and the Chief of J-9 of the NATO Joint Force Command in Naples, Rear Admiral Thorsten Marx.
Among the guests present was the Commander of the NATO Rapid Deployment Corps from Greece, Lieutenant General Grigorios Bountliakis.
Below is the full text of the address by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
Respected members of the Army,
Respected Vlado Misajlovski, Minister of Defense,
Respected Sasko Lafsiski, Chief of the General Staff of the Army,
Respected military representatives from abroad,
Respected representatives of the diplomatic corps,
Respected Members of Parliament,
Respected Mayors,
Esteemed guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
For me, the Krivolak training fields is no longer a Macedonian peripheral geographical point, but a litmus test for testing Macedonian defense readiness, an important pebble in the NATO mosaic, serving peace, as a common good, in a time of growing security threats.
Today here, in this very place, in medias res, we will be not only witnesses, but also co-evaluators of the Macedonian defense policy based on evidence, assessing the degree of the necessary harmony between knowledge and discipline, experience and responsibility, the ability to manage modern weapons, elements important for the compatibility of our army with our allies, but also for the harmonized common security policy.
Here are the creators and coordinators of the Macedonian military-defense system, who expect to shed light on the results of their painstaking and responsible work.
The exercise “Flash 26”, in a broader sense, is: a test of the institutional and functional dimension of the capacity of the Army as an important and highly respected segment of the state due to its serious approach to security, an area that does not tolerate improvisation and superficiality and insists on depth and dedication.
We live in a time of dramatic geopolitical upheaval and a legal vacuum, in which old rules have been relativized and are now unrecognizable and disrespected, and new ones have not yet been established. The impossible has happened, a war on European soil, the Middle East is not only unstable, but also produces broader, even global instability with far-reaching consequences, cyberspace has grown into a conflict arena, disinformation has become an instrument for stimulating distrust, and technological progress, no matter how evident, opens up serious ethical and security dilemmas.
In such circumstances, countries, including ours, must focus on building strong, stable and resilient institutions, invest in education, science and knowledge, strengthen coordination between quality systems, including the military, prepared for a rapid, rational and efficient response.
“Flash 26”, as part of the NATO program, is a clear expression of our commitment to collective defense, regional stability and peace. This was also stressed by Secretary General Rutte during his recent visit.
The exercise is a test of our readiness to act in peacekeeping operations, to deal with hybrid threats and participate equally in the collective security system. With more than 1,500 participants, it is not just a military test, but a clear expression of mutual trust, a shining light that expresses the strength of the alliance and the strength of togetherness.
I am proud of the Light Infantry Battalion Group and its highest marks followed by the most important – it is combat-ready to carry out its mission. This is a significant state, army, professional and moral success, behind which stand objective measurable criteria and evidence, clearly established standards and a serious methodology, but also passionate and dedicated work, sovereign leadership and enormous effort invested by each member of the unit.
You, the members of the Army, are a top, clear and undeniable proof that the Macedonian state and army are a credible and respected partner in the Alliance.
The highest trust that you enjoy among citizens is the result of the many times proven assistance in moments of natural disasters and epidemics.
Our army is a factor of stability and a guardian of global peace. Today, more than 180 members of the Army, under the Macedonian flag, are involved in peacekeeping missions and operations.
The strength of a modern army is not measured only by the equipment it possesses, but also by the meritocracy in recruitment and promotion, constant professional development and dignified living and working conditions of people in uniform.
“Flash 26” is an encouraging and inspiring confirmation that the Macedonian army understands the nature of the times we live in and is seriously preparing to face the challenges it brings.
Let us continue to build an army that knows, an army that respects hierarchy and discipline, but also an army that is founded on unwavering values.
Such an army is my and Macedonian pride!
Thank you.
