Skopje, 17 August 2026 (MIA) - Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski and Army Chief of Staff, Major-General Sashko Lafchiski addressed Monday a gathering of members of the Army and defense staff held in front of the Defense Ministry ahead of August 18 – Army Day.

In a press release, the Defense Ministry said Minister Misajlovski highlighted that the effort, commitment, and professionalism of the staff enable the Ministry to be “one of the most organized institutions in the country”.

“For all of us, for Macedonia, success will be guaranteed only if we continue to work with commitment and if we continue functioning as a big family united by a common goal: for Macedonia to continue to develop and for us to build a better country for future generations,” Misajlovski said. 

The Minister told members of the defense staff they will continue to be valued because they are the pillars of the country’s defense.

“We approach every challenge from the same stance and perspective – supporting one another at every moment and working for the well-being of every soldier, corporal, officer, and defense worker. We make decisions that will make us stronger, and that is precisely why I want to stress that we are also working toward higher wages and better working conditions,” Misajlovski said. 

In his address, Major-General Sashko Lafchiski said August 18 is “the day when we celebrate the military profession, founded on honor, discipline, responsibility, loyalty, professionalism, and patriotism”.

“These are the values we are recognized for every day, values that are embedded in the code of every army member,” General Lafchiski stressed, pointing out that the past year was marked by significant results and confirmation that the Army continues to develop its capabilities and meet the highest national and NATO standards. 

Photo: Defense Ministry