Defence Minister Radmila Shekerinska and Turkish Ambassador to North Macedonia Hasan Mehmet Sekizkök on Tuesday attended the handover of a Turkish donation for North Macedonia’s Army.
The donation consists of a vehicle for transportation of tanks, armored carriers, etc. The handover took place at the Strasho Pindzhur barracks in Petrovec.
“We’re witnessing close cooperation between North Macedonia and Turkey, in the
military sector, which is a result of long-standing friendship and the mutual goal as members of the most powerful military-political alliance to ensure regional and transatlantic security, as well as resume friendly bilateral relations,” Minister Shekerinska said.
She stressed that Turkey has been supporting North Macedonia’s Army for many years.
“In the past few years, support has intensified and we’re making efforts for Macedonian and Turkish nationals to realize that we’re committed to excellent relations in the defence sector,” Shekerinska told the event.
She expressed satisfaction over attending the handover ceremony with Turkish Ambassador Sekizkök.
“This donation has crucial importance for North Macedonia and ensures that we meet logistical preconditions over transport of units. The vehicle, manufactured in Turkey, proves how strong our friend’s defence industry is and ensures safe and efficient transport for our troops and equipment,” the Minister stressed.
She explained that the donation helps North Macedonia achieve several goals.
“It provides additional equipment for the Army, ensures greater mobility and reaction speed,” Shekerinska said, adding that many of the Army’s machines are currently at the Krivolak army field.
“If we need some of them to be urgently transported to Skopje or anywhere else in the country, this vehicle will solve our problem. It also helps the equipment last longer and prevents road damages,” the Minister underlined.
Moreover, she stressed the donation’s importance for the country’s NATO capacities.
Turkish Ambassador Sekizkök told Tuesday’s event that North Macedonia is one of Turkey’s most important Balkan partners.
With joint efforts, he added, we’ll promote bilateral relations in all sectors.
The Ambassador stressed that Turkey is well-known for its defence industry and will continue to support North Macedonia in the future.
“North Macedonia’s NATO accession further strengthened our military cooperation. We’ll continue to make use of cooperation opportunities in the defence industry. New projects at bilateral level are set to further promote cooperation in the defence industry,” Sekizkök said.
He underlined that military cooperation between Turkey and North Macedonia has a bright future.
“Our ally, North Macedonia, is making significant steps towards meeting Army needs, in line with NATO obligations aimed at modernization. Turkey will continue to stand by North Macedonia,” the Ambassador told the event.
The Ministry of Defence said in a press release that the donated vehicle is intended for safe transport of tanks, armored carriers, etc., even in severe weather. It saves fuel, gives the crew a chance to rest and helps the equipment last longer. The transporter is compatible with NATO standards.
It added that the donation is worth USD 640,000 and includes spare parts and products for maintaining the transporter for a year, as well as a training session for staff on how to upkeep the vehicle.
More donations, including tents, watercrafts, portable bathrooms, etc., are expected in the future.
