The Vermont General Assembly has adopted the resolution for cooperation between US State of Vermont and the Republic of Macedonia by acclamation and Army partnership between Vermont National Guard and the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM) for the past 17 years.

The resolution recognises the commitment of Macedonia to participate with the state of Vermont to advance international peace, democracy and mutual understanding.

Defence Minister Fatmir Besimi said that the resolution gives political support and importance for participation of ARM with Vermont National Guard in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.

- It represents a valorization of previous partnership with ARM, Besimi assessed, who led Macedonian Defence Ministry delegation at the formal adoption of the resolution in administrative and political centre of Vermont, the capital Montpelier.

Besimi in the statement for Voice of America – Macedonian language programme after adoption of the resolution underlined the friendship and wish for boosting the cooperation with the US in international peacekeeping missions.

The participation in international missions as in Afghanistan under joint US command is of great importance for ARM’s capacity in direction to improvement of tactical preparedness in accordance with NATO standards, Besimi said.

Moreover, Besimi met with Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin and discussed both defence opportunities and about civilian sector. MPs from two parties in Assembly in Montpelier at the meeting with Besimi emphasised that Vermont represents the cooperation of Macedonia with the US and expected the cooperation besides on army to be strengthened on economic, cultural and educational plan.

Vermont Adjutant General Major General Michael Dubie commended Macedonian troops for high level of professionalism and preparedness for joint mission in Afghanistan.

Besimi also held round table with economics students at University of Vermont speaking about Macedonia’s economic potentials offered to foreign investors.

ARM – Vermont National Guard previous partnership resulted in 700 activities in which 4.000 members of military and civilian sector were included.

Besimi resumes his visit to US by meeting the US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta on Monday in Pentagon.