Skopje, 23 April 2026 (MIA) - Minister of Defense Vlado Misajlovski launched on Thursday the regular Macedonian-U.S. bilateral defense consultations, where, together with Deputy Assistant Secretary of War  David Baker and the U.S. delegation, discussions were held on regional security, modernization of the Army, and deepening of the strategic partnership.

“Our bilateral defense relations over the past three decades have been at a very high level and I thank you for the excellent cooperation. The dedicated support of the United States of America, as well as the Embassy in our country, has contributed to building the capacities and capabilities of the Macedonian Army,” the Minister said.

Currently, according to Minister Misajlovski, several agreements with the United States for the procurement of different types of equipment aligned with NATO Capability Targets are being implemented.

The Minister also touched upon investment in defense, noting that the defense budget is increasing and that the country plans to reach the jointly agreed level of 3.5 percent of GDP for the defense budget and 1.5 percent of GDP for defense-related activities and projects by 2035.

Misajlovski noted that the process to amend strategic documents and plans has been initiated, which, he said, is key for future development of the defense capacities that will enable greater combat readiness as a guarantee for the security of the country and the strength of the Alliance’s collective defense.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Baker stressed that the United States recognizes the Government’s commitment to meeting the goals within NATO 3.0, including the commitments from NATO’s summit in The Hague, care for regional security, as well as the development of defense cooperation. He added that the talks are an opportunity to initiate new directions in the partnership that will contribute to a timely response to the challenges.

The Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy, Nicole Varnes, stressed that today’s talks will contribute to identifying new concrete opportunities for cooperation and additional development of interoperability.

Army Chief of Staff, Major-General Sashko Lafchiski also addressed the defense consultations, stressing that all past and future cooperation provides an opportunity for the Army to achieve its goals and tasks, as well as to strengthen its combat readiness.

The bilateral defense consultations are being held only two weeks after the strategic dialogue between the two countries held in Washington, D.C., where the mutual commitment to developing close strategic relations across all spheres was reaffirmed. 

Photo: Ministry of Defense