Skopje, 25 July 2023 (MIA) – Minister of Defense Slavjanka Petrovska attended the 16th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF'23) in Istanbul on Tuesday, where around 1.000 domestic and international companies from the industry were presented, and over 400 official delegations, including defence ministers, were in attendance.

In a press release, the Ministry of Defense said Petrovska visited the stands of ASELSAN, BMC and NUROL companies, where she was introduced to the latest achievements in the military industry and products of these Turkish companies.

“The ASELSAN company also produces a part of the equipment for the new artillery systems which North Macedonia is acquiring from Turkey through the Government-to-Government Agreeement, which, according to the plan, are expected to be delivered in 2025. The artillery systems are fully compatible with the armaments of the allied states and are produced in line with the highest standards of the Alliance,” said the Ministry.

On the sidelines of the Fair, Minister Petrovska met with her Kosovo counterpart, Defense Minister Armend Mehaj, with whom she spoke about the security situation in the region, and the defense cooperation between the two countries.

At the meeting, Petrovska said that North Macedonia, with its participation in the NATO Mission in Kosovo, KFOR, continues to provide a strong contribution to the security of the country and the region, and that honest dialogue and respect for the undertaken tasks is necessary. Petrovska said security must be a top priority, which is why, she said, decisive steps promoting peace and security in the whole region are necessary.

Minister Mehaj said that the defense cooperation with North Macedonia is important for Kosovo, and voiced gratitude over the participation of members of the Macedonian Army in the KFOR Mission.

Photo: Ministry of Defense