President Stevo Pendarovski received today General Christopher Cavoli, Commander of the US Army for Europe and Africa.
At the meeting, satisfaction was expressed with the overall bilateral cooperation between the Republic of North Macedonia and the United States, especially in the field of defense.
President Pendarovski stressed that the United States is a key ally and supporter of our country since its independence and that North Macedonia especially values the relations with the United States, as its strategic partner. NATO membership, President Pendarovski said, provides an additional opportunity to strengthen the partnership.
President Pendarovski pointed to the long-standing commitment of North Macedonia and its Army, through the continuous cooperation with the United States that contributes to international peacekeeping operations, including missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
At the meeting, President Pendarovski thanked the United States for the overall contribution to the modernization and equipping of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia, as well as to the training and education of its members.
President Pendarovski reaffirmed his commitment to continuously increase the defense budget, until the goal is met by 2024 – to invest at least 2% of GDP in modernization and development of the Army.
President Pendarovski informed the interlocutor about some of the achievements and the development of the military capabilities of the Army, in accordance with the needs arising from NATO membership.
At the meeting, information was exchanged on the course of the multinational exercise “Decisive Strike 21”, which is being held at the Krivolak military range. President Pendarovski stressed that with the implementation of the exercise, the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia once again proves its readiness to act in coordination with our allies.
