Skopje, 1 October 2025 (MIA) - Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski and his Bosnian counterpart Zukan Helez, who is paying an official visit to the country, addressed Wednesday an event marking the beginning of the academic year at the Military Academy in Skopje.

In his address, Minister Misajlovski said the new cadets should be proud they are a part of an established and regionally recognized Academy that creates the future leaders of the Macedonian Army and the armed forces of several countries from the region. 

“You are the heart of the homeland, from among you will emerge new generals and officers. It is a source of great pride to see you here in the Macedonian uniform, as well as with cadets from friendly countries who stand alongside us,” Misajlovski said.

The Defense Minister said by educating cadets from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro the country is developing its regional cooperation, while the Academy remains a symbol of knowledge and leadership.

Bosnia’s Defense Minister Helez said the goals of stability, peace, and membership in the Euro-Atlantic structures are not just political aspirations, but also a necessity for the security, prosperity, and dignified life of the peoples in the region. 

“The Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina continue with intensive reforms to become fully interoperable with NATO forces and aligned with European standards. In that process, the experience and support from countries like yours that have gone through these phases are invaluable to us,” Helez stressed.

According to the Ministry of Defense of North Macedonia, the dean of the Military Academy, Colonel Nenad Taneski, also addressed the cadets at the event, telling them that “the uniform you wear is a symbol of honor, trust, and service to the homeland and to regional security and peace.” He stressed that meeting again after four years of education, when the cadets will be promoted to second lieutenants, will be the best confirmation of their shared success.

Photo: Defense Ministry