Skopje, 16 January 2025 (MIA) - The country's Chief of Defense, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, attended a Chiefs of Defense meeting of NATO's highest military authority, the Military Committee, in Brussels on Jan 15-16. Chiefs of Defense Staffs of NATO member and partner states, as well as commanders of NATO strategic commands, Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Christopher Cavoli and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Admiral Pierre Vandier, participated at the meeting, the General Staff of the Army said in a press release. 

The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, delivered opening remarks at the meeting of the Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence. After the meeting, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, is set to replace Admiral Rob Bauer at the helm of the Alliance's Military Committee. 

"The focus of the Conference is on further strengthening the Alliance's deterrence and defense, boosting cooperation with partners, as well as continuing support to Ukraine. General Lafchiski actively participated in discussions on issues related to global security challenges, the Alliance's deterrence and defense readiness, interoperability, threats, risks and challenges, as well as cooperation with partner states. In his address, he highlighted our commitment to meeting capability goals, contributing to NATO missions and operations, and increasing the Army's readiness through continuous modernization and equipping," reads the press release. 

During the Conference, General Lafchiski also discussed with his NATO counterparts several topics of mutual interest in the area of defense. 

In addition, Maj. Gen. Lafchiski visited the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe at Mons. He met with NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR), Admiral Keith Blount, and Deputy Commander of Allied SOFCOM, Major General Tony Turner, discussing global and regional security, the Army's transformation goals, as well as opportunities for deepening cooperation and support from NATO allies. 

Lafchiski also met with the country's NATO delegation deployed in Mons and Brussels. 

Photo: General Staff of the Army