The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today had a meeting with the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Slovenia, Major General Alojz Steiner. 

Main discussion topic was Macedonian and Slovenian army cooperation, as well as possibilities for its expansion and improvement. The interlocutors concluded that there is a high level cooperation between the two armies, which is also demonstrated by the bilateral military exercise “Challenge 2011” set to begin tomorrow at the army field “Krivolak”. 

According to the Chief of Staff of the Slovenian Army, Steiner, both armies are faced with the same challenges, including their modernization, but through the intensive cooperation which lasts for 15 years, both sides have opportunity to exchange practices and experience and learn a lot.  

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the Republic of Slovenia’s strong support for full-fledged membership of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO and the European Union, as well as for active promotion and usage of the army field Krivolak as a regional training centre. He also expressed hope that the cooperation between the two friendly countries shall continue in future with the same momentum.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief of Staff of the Macedonian Army, Major General Gorancho Koteski and the Minister of Defence, Fatmir Besimi.