Skopje, 19 July 2024 (MIA) – Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski as part of his official visit  to the Turkish Armed Forces met with his host, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, General Metin Gürak and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler.

General Gjurchinovski in the meetings thanked for the assistance sent by Turkey, that includes a helicopter and two Air Tractor aircrafts, to join the firefighting efforts underway in the country, the Defense Ministry stated. 

“It was noted that the high level of mutual cooperation is best reflected in this kind of provided assistance when needed, which was also the case when we deployed assistance to Turkey after the deadly earthquake two years ago. Also, they discussed other forms of possible support and aid in similar situations in relation to natural disasters,” said the press release.  

Generals Gjurchinovski and Gürak discussed ways to further expand the bilateral military cooperation to include joint trainings and exercises, joint participation in missions and use of the capacities of the two armies. 

“General Gjurchinovski mentioned our joint participation in peace missions, most notably in Bosnia and Herzegovina and previously in Afghanistan,” the press release said. 

On Friday, the army delegation led by General Gjurchinovski visited the command of the Turkish special forces and other units during which they examined ways for cooperation in training and exercised. 

“Turkey as our strategic partner is considered a key supporter of our NATO standards achieved in several fields and is most prominent in training, military education, joint participation in peace missions and operations, equipment, etc,” said the Defense Ministry. 

Photo: Defense Ministry