Türkiye donates military equipment to North Macedonia
The Turkish and North Macedonian delegation inspecting the equipments. (via Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Skopje)
Türkiye has donated military equipment to the North Macedonian Army. The handover ceremony took place on Aug. 30, coinciding with Türkiye’s Victory Day, at the ‘Ilinden’ Barracks in Skopje.
The ceremony was attended by North Macedonia’s Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Skopje Fatih Ulusoy, Macedonian Chief of the General Staff Major General Sasko Lafciski, and other military and diplomatic representatives.
Türkiye enhances North Macedonia’s military capabilities
In a clear show of support, Türkiye provided North Macedonia’s army with advanced military equipment, including drones, communication devices, night vision goggles, and protective gear.
This donation is aimed at boosting the operational effectiveness of North Macedonia’s armed forces and aligning them with NATO standards.
Strengthening bilateral relations of Türkiye, North Macedonia
During the ceremony, Major General Saško Lafciski, Macedonian Chief of the General Staff, extended his congratulations to Türkiye on its Victory Day, emphasizing the importance of the donation.
“Today is not only a celebration for Türkiye but also a testament to the strength of the friendship and cooperation between our two nations. Türkiye has consistently shown genuine support and camaraderie to our country,” he remarked.
Lafciski highlighted that Türkiye’s assistance is crucial in strengthening North Macedonia’s military capacities, which are vital for the region’s stability and security. “Türkiye’s cooperation is a cornerstone of this process,” he added.
Historic, strategic military cooperation
Ambassador Fatih Ulusoy, Türkiye’s representative in Skopje, expressed his pride that the equipment handover coincided with Türkiye’s Aug. 30 Victory Day, a day of profound military significance for Türkiye.
“This transfer is not merely a donation but a symbol of our enduring commitment to strengthening North Macedonia’s defense capabilities,” Ulusoy stated.
Ulusoy also underscored the deep historical, cultural, and human ties between Türkiye and North Macedonia, noting that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, was an alumnus of the Military Academy in Bitola, North Macedonia.
This connection further solidifies the historical relationship between the two nations.
Continued military collaboration, growth
Highlighting Türkiye’s advancements in the defense sector, Ulusoy pointed out that Türkiye has emerged as a global leader in defense exports, with unmanned systems being utilized by over 50 countries.
“Türkiye is committed to enhancing its defense relations with allies like North Macedonia through a ‘win-win’ approach. We are proud to share our military capabilities with our friends and allies,” Ulusoy remarked.
He further reaffirmed Türkiye’s strong support for North Macedonia’s NATO membership and ongoing military cooperation.
“We have established robust military relations on a solid foundation, and we are determined to continue strengthening our cooperation and support.”
North Macedonia expresses gratitude for Turkish support
North Macedonia’s Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski expressed deep gratitude for Türkiye’s ongoing support.
“Türkiye is a proven friend and partner. Their assistance is instrumental in the modernization of the North Macedonian army in line with NATO standards,” Misajlovski said.
Reflecting on the strategic partnership, Misajlovski added, “Türkiye’s donation is yet another testament to the enduring friendship between our nations. On behalf of the Macedonian people and our army, I extend our heartfelt thanks to the Turkish people and state.”
Protocol signed
The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the donation protocol by Türkiye’s Military Attaché Colonel Recai Yilmaz and North Macedonia’s Director of International Cooperation, Krste Malinkovski.
The donated military equipment, comprising drones, communication gear, night vision goggles, and protective gear, represents a significant step in strengthening the defense capabilities of North Macedonia.
