Skopje, 27 September 2023 (MIA) – Since its establishment 20 years ago, the US-Adriatic Charter (A5) has supported the countries of Southeastern Europe in their efforts to join NATO. The bonds that we establish here will continue in the future, and they will help us strengthen the work of this body, said Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Christopher Cavoli at a joint press conference Wednesday with the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of North Macedonia, Vasko Gjurchinovski.

General Cavoli stressed that important questions of defense as well as boosting cybersecurity, interoperability, and participation in international missions, operations and drills, were discussed at the conference with the participating countries and the observers.

“We are living in historic times. The Russian aggression and terrorist groups represent the strongest threat to the Alliance. In order to fight this threat, the members obliged themselves to continue with their trainings and drills with the allies and partners. Within the frameworks of the 20th anniversary of this Charter, we are continuing our cooperation and contributing to the defense and regional security of all,” said Cavoli who participated in the US-Adriatic Charter (A5) Chiefs of Defense conference on Wednesday in Skopje.

The General voiced gratitude to all member and observer states which participated in the conference. According to him, this year’s conference continued the successful dialogue and cooperation with the host – the Army of North Macedonia, the member states – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and North Macedonia, as well as the observer states – Kosovo and Slovenia.

General Gjurchinovski expressed gratitude for the participation of General Cavoli in the conference, during which, he said, information related to peace, security, prosperity of the region and all other possible future forms of cooperation were exchanged.

“Yesterday we had a bilateral meeting with General Cavoli, during which we reaffirmed our commitments for partnership, cooperation in the future, considering the fact that the US have been, are, and will continue to be our most important strategic ally in all domains,” said Gjurchinovski.

Photo/Video: MIA