Skopje, 24 June 2024 (MIA) - New Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski took over Monday the post from outgoing Deputy Defense Minister Tiron Jajaga and promised he would work hard and make the Ministry and the Army a mirror of the country, since as NATO member, the Army is its biggest ambassador.

"I will work hard so that Macedonia is proud of its Army," said Misajlovski.

He said it was an honor to head the ministry but also an obligation to the employees and the active military and civilian staff.

"Today, Macedonia is a member of the NATO family, a system that provides security which is crucial for a comprehensive socio-economic development and one of the Government's most important strategic priorities. I am committed to working on enhancing the country's international reputation and position. I promise a return of the Army's dignity, investments in new equipment, infrastructure and human resources. Priority will be given to activating all resources towards protecting national and state interests, in line with the tasks arising from the NATO membership, for the purpose of ensuring prerequisites for Macedonia's stable economic and social development," said Misajlovski.

According to him, reform processes will be on the top of the agenda and the strategic framework will be updated in line with the NATO capability goals, as basis for implementation of reforms towards strengthening the processes of the Army modernization, international cooperation, human resources, staff education and training, logistical support, army infrastructure, communications system and cyber defense.

Misajlovski said he firmly supports the pledges for stable and continued defense financing over the two percent threshold, accompanied by realization of all capital expenditures and significant reduction of all unproductive costs.

"Employment in the Army will be carried out on the basis of objective, transparent and precise criteria for professional development of the military and civilian staff, clear and transparent criteria for selection and travel of staff for the purpose of professional training. Decisions on diplomatic missions and peacekeeping missions will be taken on the grounds of competence, merit and fulfillment of international and NATO standards," said Misajlovski.

Outgoing Deputy Minister Jajaga congratulated Misajlovski on his election to the post and thanked the Ministry employees for their cooperation.

Jajaga told Misajlovski he is inheriting an institution with strong foundations and a team of professionals.

"I am sure you will do your best to enhance the vision of this institution - dignified promotion before the world, NATO and other partners. You are taking over an institution with strong foundations and a team of professionals who have shown in the past that great things can be achieved and will continue to work on a daily basis to improve the functionality of this institution in order to guarantee the army's professionalism," said Jajaga.

VMRO-DPMNE vice-president Vlado Misajlovski, 39, is a former minister of transport and communications and MP. He graduated at the Skopje-based Faculty of Social Science in international politics and diplomacy and received his M.A. in European international politics and diplomacy.

Photo: Screenshot

Video: MIA