The President and Supreme Commander of the Macedonian Army, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, attended and addressed the “Rapid Response 2025” military exercise at the Krivolak military training ground, in which more than 2,200 soldiers from 9 countries are participating.
Writing another successful page in the history of the Macedonian Army, with the exercise, she said that the state confirmed its determination to be with the countries that protect peace as the supreme civilizational ideal. She added that this exercise is not just a demonstration of military power, but a manifesto of solidarity, a symbol of unity and a reminder that only together can we confront the threats that jeopardize peace and stability.
Siljanovska-Davkova highlighted the dedication and expertise of the Macedonian Army, which she said is ready to act shoulder to shoulder with allies in times of global security threats, in defense of freedom, dignity and human rights. She said that our NATO membership is not just a political formality, but a strategic commitment.
The President emphasized that with the participation of hundreds of Macedonian soldiers in the largest military exercise at this training ground, the country once again confirmed that, despite all the challenges, it stands firmly on the side of peace, security and unity.
In a brief conversation with the soldiers, she expressed satisfaction with their professionalism demonstrated on the ground and thanked the allies for their support, assistance and shared knowledge.
The full text of President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova’s address is below.
Distinguished members of the Army,
Esteemed Prime Minister,
Respected Ministers,
Distinguished Chief of Staff of the Army,
Respected MPs, Mayors, Generals from the participating countries, Ambassadors
Respected Allies,
Esteemed Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Peace has no alternative. It is the choice of the brave, the vow of the dedicated, and the obligation of everyone who wears the uniform with honor.
Today, here, at the Krivolak training ground, we are not only writing another successful page in the history of our Army, but we are also confirming our determination to be part of those who protect peace as the supreme ideal of civilization.
The largest military exercise “Rapid Response 2025” united over 2,200 soldiers from nine countries. This exercise is not just a demonstration of military power, but a manifesto of solidarity, a symbol of unity, a reminder that only together can we confront the threats that threaten peace and stability.
In a time of global security threats, when the world is torn between wars and hope, our Army demonstrates interoperability, professionalism and readiness to act shoulder to shoulder with allies, in defense of freedom, dignity and human rights.
Our membership in NATO is not just a political formality, but a strategic commitment, an expression of our will and determination to be part of the collective response to contemporary challenges and dilemmas.
Salus populi suprema lex esto – the safety of the people is the supreme law.
Respected soldiers and officers,
The Macedonian Army, although numerically small, is great in spirit, in knowledge, in love for the homeland. Your readiness, your extraordinary dedication and your expertise are a reflection of the virtue of a modern Army. Your strength is the strength of the flag that proudly flies above us – a symbol of freedom, dignity and of the state that proudly walks in the Alliance.
By courageously conducting ground combat operations, you demonstrate interoperability, readiness and the ability to repel any threat, together with NATO allies and partners. This feat is an excellent opportunity to prepare the Light Infantry Battle Group for the upcoming 2026 combat readiness assessment.
This exercise is a message that armies are not only guardians of borders, but defenders of key values. It is a testimony that the Macedonian state, despite all the challenges, stands firmly on the side of peace, security and togetherness.
It is especially significant that this exercise coincides with the 32nd anniversary of the partnership between the Vermont National Guard and the Macedonian state – a symbol of our deep, strong and long-term friendship with the United States of America, as a pillar of transatlantic security.
As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, I express my deep gratitude to you, the brave soldiers, for your sacrifice, hard work and dedication. I also thank our allies for their support, assistance, shared knowledge and shared vision for a secure future.
Let this day be a reminder that freedom is not accidental, but the fruit of ideological determination and a constant struggle for it. May it be an inspiration for every young person who sees the Army as a place where one serves honestly and responsibly, but also learns how to love and defend the homeland.
Today, we once again confirmed our determination: to be on the side of peace, but also to be ready, if and when necessary, to defend it with all our might.
That is our right.
That is our duty.
That is our responsibility.
Let us continue to build a strong and credible Army, respected in the Alliance and ready to defend the interests of the state and the people, but also our shared interests.
