A visiting delegation from the U.S. State of Vermont led by Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray and Vermont National Guard Commander, Major General Gregory Knight, met Wednesday with Defense Minister Radmila Shekerinska and Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Vasko Gjurchinovski, in the attendance of U.S. Ambassador Kate Byrnes.
Minister Shekerinska highlighted the excellent defense cooperation and importance of ongoing exercise “Decisive Strike 21” in the context of current developments.
“This exercise was the first test for us after joining NATO and in pandemic circumstances, and I believe we have passed it with flying colors. We highly value what you have done for us over the past two decades of friendship and alliance, which has created a foundation to build bridges in other fields such as economy,” said Shekerinska.
She added that cooperation with the Vermont National Guard has left a strong imprint in the careers of many Army soldiers and officers, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release.
“The high number of soldiers and officers taking part in this cooperation is a strong recommendation for the Army in NATO. Their military education in the United States has resulted in positive changes within the Army”, said Shekerinska.
Lieutenant Governor Gray said Vermont’s door for army training remained open, highlighting the need for increased involvement of women in the security sector.
Discussions also tackled the plans for North Macedonia’s involvement in international peacekeeping missions and the benefits of Krivolak army field, considering its highly developed exercise and training capacities.
Generals Gjurchinovski and Knight referred to the success of the partnership and cooperation programme, which has contributed to the attainment of the NATO standards and full-fledged membership in the Alliance.
Discussions focused on the Army’s transformation process, participation in peacekeeping missions, training and exercises, as well as future cooperation.
General Knight presented badges of honor to ten members of the Military Police Battalion, recognizing their professionalism in the execution of their tasks during the prior visit of the Vermont National Guard visit to the country, reads the press release.
The Vermont State Partnership Program with North Macedonia began in 1993 and has included yearly military-to-military short duration and limited scope engagements, partnered exercise participation, and a co-deployment to Afghanistan in 2010 where North Macedonia units reported directly to the 86th Brigade headquarters. Additionally, the State Partnership Program has evolved to include medical and disaster response engagements. The current exploration of economic partnerships between Vermont and North Macedonia is a logical and exciting evolution of the program, the U.S. Embassy said while announcing the visit of the Vermont delegation.
