Skopje, 16 October 2024 (MIA) - A high-level delegation of the Armed Forces (AF) of the Republic of Turkey, led by the Chief of the General Staff of the AF, General Metin Gürak, paying an official visit to the Republic of North Macedonia, visited on Wednesday the General Staff of the Army.  

Following a formal military honours reception, General Gürak held a meeting with his host, the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, reaffirming cooperation at a continuous high level with the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Turkey, as one of the country's biggest strategic partners, the General Staff of the Army said in a press release.  

The three-decade long inter-army cooperation and support is particularly visible in the field of training, military education, joint participation in international operations and missions, where many rotations were under the auspices of the Turkish contingent, including the latest one in the EU-led operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

General Lafchiski said that friendly Turkey, as the country's strategic partner, significantly contributes to the modernization of the Army with new equipment, compatible with the standards of NATO member countries, including the latest donation of drones, communications equipment, night visors and quartermaster equipment for the needs of the special forces of the Army.

General Gürak expressed gratitude for the hospitality, pointing out that the Republic of Turkey remains committed to the high level of military cooperation and deepening it in the field of training, exercises and education of the members of the Macedonian Army in the prestigious military educational institutions of the Turkish Armed Forces.

During the talks with the high-level delegation of the AF of Turkey, participants presented the ongoing processes for the modernization and transformation of the Army, the country's contribution and participation in international operations and missions abroad and the possibility of using the facilities of the Krivolak army field for training and exercise activities.

As part of Wednesday's visit, the delegation of the AF of the Republic of Turkey attended a demonstration exercise by members of the Special Forces Battalion, presenting the training and readiness of the unit.

Following the activities at the General Staff of the Army, General Metin Gürak, alongside General Lafchiski, will meet with the President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Gordana Siljanovska Davkova. 

Photo: General Staff of the Army