Respected Members of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Fellow Citizens,

It is my honor, as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Macedonia, to greet you today, on the Day of the Army, from the city lying under the Samuil's Fortress.

1000 years ago, the flag of freedom was taken down from this fortress.

It marked the beginning of a millennium filled with defiance and struggle for freedom. Centuries filled with heroic attempts to raise the flag again and attain freedom. In each century spent under foreign regime, Macedonia bore brave people, outlaws and rebels, fighters and partisans, all of them patriots.

On August 18, 1943, not far from here, on the slopes of Slavej Planina, the National Liberation Struggle fighters formed the first battalion "Mirche Acev" and gathered strength for the final battle for Macedonia. The battle when the National Liberation Army of Macedonia won a victory for a free, independent and sovereign Macedonian state.

70 years ago, on the day of ASNOM, the flag of freedom was raised again.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Freedom and independence are not given to us as a gift. The Ilinden and ASNOM fighters fought for them and left a covenant and worthy followers of their deeds - you, the members of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia.

Today we recall of the covenant that connects and binds us.
The Army exists to preserve our freedom, territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The Army exists for our loved ones not to be afraid of the horrors of war.
The Army exists for our children to have a carefree childhood.
The Army exists to protect the Macedonian model of coexistence.
The Army exists for the Macedonian economy to grow and prosper.

The Army of the Republic of Macedonia uncompromisingly implements its part of the covenant. Hence, the Macedonian citizens have the utmost trust in the Army. Trust that is acquired with patriotism, dedication and professionalism.

As the armed forces have a constitutional obligation to protect the territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Macedonia, we all have the obligation to provide better conditions for those who protect us and our children. We are leaving behind us many results, but there is still much work to be done in the future.

We keep up with the reform. I expect the new organizational and formation structure of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia to be implemented.

We remain committed to achieving our strategic goal- full-fledged membership of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO. Membership we long ago deserved.

Partnership and friendship are the strongest among the equals. The Republic of Macedonia is equal in terms of duties and responsibilities. But we want to be allowed to be equal in terms of rights and privileges for a stronger NATO, for a safer world.

Esteemed Attendees,

Today, thanks to the Army, peace and security are what we live in. We live, work, create, upgrade and advance thanks to the brave sons and daughters in uniform that protect our peace and guarantee our security. An everyday life which is still an elusive dream for many people living in turbulent regions worldwide that we hear of everyday.

The peace and security we live in oblige us to share them with others. Therefore, we will continue, shoulder to shoulder with our partners and allies, to contribute to a safer world.

We remain consistent with the involvement in the ISAF mission in the distant Afghanistan. Mission that makes us internationally recognized and respected state. We will continue our participation and increase our contribution to the peacekeeping missions led by the European Union and the United Nations.

The Army of the Republic of Macedonia continues to be our investment to the security, peace and stability in the world.

Respected Members of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia,

As President of the Republic of Macedonia and as your Commander-in-Chief, I congratulate you on everything you have achieved. I want to acknowledge that I really am proud of every recognition, every award, every praise you receive from our partners. This speaks that we have a professional and responsible army, which is a guarantee of a safe future for our children.

I expect that in the following period with the same dynamics, dedication and perseverance you will justify the great trust that our citizens and our partners have in you.

And, do not forget, you are the guardians of our flag of freedom. A flag raised 70 years ago.

Congratulations on the Day of the Army, August 18!
Long live the Army of the Republic of Macedonian!
Long live the Republic of Macedonia!