The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today visited the Macedonian peace-keepers deployed in the ISAF Mission in Afghanistan.
Macedonia should be proud with the participation of our peacekeepers in the ISAF Mission in Afghanistan, because they demonstrate in the best way all army reforms, as well as the country's preparedness for full-fledged NATO membership, said today the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, visiting for the first time the Macedonian troops in Afghanistan.
President Ivanov stressed that although Macedonia is not yet a NATO member, it acts like all Alliance member-states in the ISAF Mission, fulfilling all its obligations. He also underlined that the Macedonian peace-keepers in this mission have their contribution to global peace and institution-building in Afghanistan.

Our soldiers are professional in their tasks, respected by their colleagues, but also by the local population. Although a small country, Macedonia contributes to the stabilization of a piece of the world, President Ivanov said and added that this experience will be beneficial for our soldiers in their upcoming missions.

President Ivanov met with the NATO's Senior Civilian Representative to Afghanistan, Mark Sedwill, and with the ISAF Commander, General David Petraeus.

At the meetings, Ambassador Sedwill and General Petraeus briefed President Ivanov on the achievements and contribution of the Macedonian troops within the ISAF Mission, praising their professionalism and commitment in the execution of their tasks.
Talks also focused on the contribution of the Republic of Macedonia to ISAF, on the achievements in the transition process, progress of democratic processes in Afghanistan and capacity building of Afghan security forces.
Macedonia's ISAF contribution began in August 2002, with a symbolic deployment of 2 officers within the Turkish contingent. The Republic of Macedonia currently has 242 soldiers in ISAF Mission, deployed in four larger contingents. A total of 1,500 Macedonian soldiers have participated in the mission thus far.