Creation of army of the future, prestigious, professional and modern according to principle of guaranteeing peace and stability, high-credibility institutions as well as a model for building confidence and mutual respect is our key commitment, Defence Minister Fatmir Besimi said in Sunday’s address at the presentation of annual programme for observation of the 20th anniversary of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM).

We remain committed to the reforms and contribution to Euro-Atlantic integrations as best alternative for the future of the Republic of Macedonia, he said.

Referring to the road through which Defence and Army passed with all conducted reforms and political determinations, Besimi said that Macedonia succeeded to transform from importer to exporter of peace at global level.

We continue to work committedly on completion of planned goals, integration in the Euro-Atlantic structure, contribution in regional and global peace and good-neighborly relations with all countries in the region, Besimi pointed out.

Chief of General Staff, Major General Goranco Koteski, said that ARM succeeded to meet the needed NATO standards for relatively short period and equally to participate in international peacekeeping missions with Alliance’s partners. Today, as institution, Army enjoys largest trust of the Macedonian citizens. It has developed into modern and contemporary military organization comprised of members of all ethnic communities.

Great achievements and challenges are obliging us to continue to develop and to continue on the road of Euro-Atlantic integration due which today as an army we are recognised as equal partner to NATO.

Government ministers, officials of the cabinet of President of the Republic of Macedonia, ambassadors and defence attaches accredited in Macedonia, ARM generals, key staff in the Ministry of Defence and ARM General Staff, commanders, famous people in culture and arts and other eminent persons attended the ceremony. Military orchestra and military flags of ARM units was also part of ceremony.