Skopje, 19 May 2026 (MIA) - The Chief of Army General Staff, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, took part Tuesday in NATO's Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence session, held in Brussels. 

The Chair of the Military Committee (CMC), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, presided the meeting of NATO’s highest Military Authority, with the participation of the 32 Allies, along with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus G. Grynkewich, and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), Admiral Pierre Vandier.

Participants discussed the current security situation, strengthening of NATO’s collective deterrence and defence, resumption of defence investments, rise in military production, continuing support for Ukraine as well as EU-NATO cooperation. 

In his address, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed the importance of maintaining unity of the Alliance, preparedness and capability to address modern security challenges.

At the meeting, separate sessions saw addresses by General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), and Admiral Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), who informed the chiefs of defence on ongoing activities, NATO’s preparedness and the transformative processes in the Alliance. 

General Lafchiski had active participation in the discussions related to the global security challenges, interoperability, NATO’s deterrence and defence as well as cooperation with partners.

In his address, General Lafchiski underlines the Army’s commitment to regional and collective security by taking part in international missions, operations and NATO activities, including the NATO Mission in Kosovo (KFOR), Altea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Forward Land Forces – FLF activity in Bulgaria and Romania. 

Also, the importance of Flash 26 national exercise and the assessment of the Light Infantry Battalion Group (LIBG) was noted as well as the continuing processes of modernization and equipping of the Army aimed at strengthening its operational preparedness.

On the sidelines of the meeting, General Lafchiski had talks with the Chief of Germany’s Defence, General Carsten Breuer to discuss support for Ukraine, the future of the Military Committee and the Alliance as well as ways to further strengthen bilateral military cooperation, modernization and equipment.

During his visit to Belgium, General Lafchiski met with the army servicemen serving as part of North Macedonia’s National Military Representation at the NATO HQ in Brussels. 

Photo: Defence Ministry