Skopje, 3 June 2026 (MIA) - Army Chief of Staff, Major-General Sashko Lafchiski is participating in the 19th Balkan Countries’ Chiefs of Defence Conference from June 2 to June 4 in Thessaloniki, Greece, the General Staff of the Army said in a press release Wednesday.

In his address at the conference, Lafchiski highlighted the need to adapt the doctrines, training, and strategic culture to modern realities, adding that “the future of warfare will continue to evolve swiftly, but, regardless of how technology changes conflicts, one principle must remain unchanged: the protection of civilians must remain at the heart of every military and political decision”.  

Major-General Lafchiski stressed the country remains firmly committed to regional cooperation in the Balkans, stressing that “dialogue, partnership, and collective readiness remain the basis for crisis-prevention and civil protection”. 

The conference discussed challenges related to civil protection, the resilience of societies, the use of new technologies and innovation, as well as mechanisms for regional cooperation in handling crises and emergencies. 

At the conference, Lafchiski also held bilateral meetings with some of the chiefs of defence of the Balkan countries and NATO commanders.

Photo: General Staff of the Army