President Stevo Pendarovski met on Tuesday with Commander of the United States Army Europe and Africa, General Christopher G. Cavoli, who is paying a visit to North Macedonia.

During the talks they expressed satisfaction with the overall bilateral cooperation between North Macedonia and the United States, especially in the field of defence, President’s Office said in a press release.

President Pendarovski stressed that the United States is a key ally and provides support to our country since its independence and that North Macedonia especially values relations with the United States, as its strategic partner. NATO membership, Pendarovski added, provides an additional opportunity to strengthen the partnership.

Pendarovski underlined the long-term commitment of the country and its Army, through continuous cooperation with the United States to contribute to international peacekeeping operations, including missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At the meeting, Pendarovski thanked the United States for its overall contribution to the modernization and equipping of the Army, as well as to the training and education of Army members.

He reaffirmed his commitment to continuously increase defence spending to 2% of country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2024 in the modernization and development of the armed forces.

Pendarovski briefed General Christopher G. Cavoli on achievements and the development of the military capabilities of the Army, in accordance with the obligations arising from NATO membership.

President Pendarovski and General Christopher G. Cavoli exchanged views on ongoing Decisive Strike 21 military exercise at Krivolak army field. President Pendarovski noted that with the realization of the exercise the Army once again proves its readiness to act in coordination with our allies, the press release said.