Skopje, 28 May 2023 (MIA) – Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and the US Ambassador Angela Aggeler attended a display of military equipment part of the military exercise ‘Immediate Response 23’ in Kavadarci on Sunday.

'Immediate Response 23,' which is part of the largest multinational joint exercise 'Defender Europe 23', started May 22 and runs through June 2 at the Krivolak army field. The exercise brings together 1,850 participants from the armies of four NATO member countries and one NATO partner country including North Macedonia, the United States, Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo as NATO partner.

Minister Petrovska expressed her satisfaction with the event where part of the equipment that is being used and will be used tomorrow as well, as part of the military exercise ‘Immediate Response 23.’

The objective of the exercise, as Minister Petrovska said, "is to show unity, alliance and, of course, the readiness, which is most important for the participating armies, for mutual cooperation, but also for overcoming any future challenges."

This exercise is just one part of the activities that the Macedonian army is carrying out this time, as many times before, with the support of the US army, our long-standing and great strategic supporter and friend. I am glad that since 2020 we have been allies together in the NATO alliance, she said.

Petrovska said that the country is hosting armies of NATO member countries and one NATO partner country, Kosovo, and thanked Ambassador Aggeler for the unselfish support that the United States gives to the Republic of North Macedonia.

Ambassador Aggeler said she is proud to be in Kavadarci.

“I am so proud to be here with soldiers from US Army for Europe and Africa and from the national guard of Minnesota. Being here with our soldiers together with Macedonian soldiers demonstrates high hope our unwavering support and partnership for this country, for the people of this country what is no longer newest NATO ally but is a demonstration also of this country’s commitment to that partnership,” Aggeler said, underscoring the 30 years of cooperation and partnership, thanking for the support given to Ukraine. She noted that the Macedonian people should be proud of their country, the army, the regional contribution, themselves and their families.

Minister Petrovska, answering a reporter's question whether such open days will be organized in other cities, said that on every occasion when there are such exercises, in different locations in the country, such open days are held, so that they bring the army and the citizens closer together.

Mayor Mitko Janchev thanked the minister and the ambassador for the visit, saying that this is of great importance to the residents of the municipality of Kavadarci.

Photo: MIA