The President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today paid a working visit to the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia. Focus of today’s talks with the Minister of Defence, Fatmir Besimi, was the new formation setup and the involvement of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia in international missions in 2012, as well as analysis of defence diplomacy, defence budget and the priorities of the Ministry of Defence and the Army of the Republic of Macedonia for the year 2012.

President Ivanov praised the fact that after several years of cutting, the defence budget will be increased for next year, something that would be reflected on the overall climate in the Army of the Republic of Macedonia and will enable, next year, the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia to be marked as it fits an army that is ready to be a NATO member.

”Taking into consideration the participation and commitments we have undertaken and fulfilled, we act as a NATO member. Our peacekeepers take part in peacekeeping missions, which particularly goes for the ISAF mission where 161 soldiers will be deployed next year, whereas our participation in UN-led peacekeeping operations is foreseen to be increased, too”, President Ivanov said after his regular working visit to the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia.

He also stressed that the Army is an institution most trusted by the citizens, and expressed his hope that this perception will resume.