Enhancement and intensification of bilateral cooperation, as well as confirmation of mutual respect and support were in the focus of Friday's meeting between Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi and Chinese counterpart Liang Guanglie, who pays an official visit to Macedonia.

Minister Besimi, accompanied by Macedonian Army (ARM) Chief of Staff, Major-General Goranco Koteski, expressed gratitude for China's principled support to Macedonia's strategic orientation.

"The Defense Minister also thanked for China's unconditional support and Macedonia's recognition under its constitutional name, saying the People's Republic of China represents a significant factor in global terms, a permanent UN Security Council member. It is a privilege for ARM to cooperation with a powerful army such as the Chinese, which has over 2,5 million troops and a US$ 22 billion budget", the Defense Ministry said in a press release.

This is the first visit of a Chinese Defense Minister to the Republic of Macedonia, which points to the continual enhancement of friendship between the two countries.

ARM will continue to cooperate with the Chinese army, especially in the field of experience exchange in peacekeeping operations and training of special units. Cooperation with the Chinese armed forces has focused on military education, international studies and training of martial arts instructors.

For the purpose of enhancing bilateral cooperation, Macedonia is planning to send a military attache to China, in line with the country's Strategy for Defense Diplomacy.