Speeches, Remarks & Statements in 2009

Remarks of Ambassador Reeker at LOGEX 09

Straso Pindjur Military Barracks

October 20, 2009

Military Cooperation between Macedonia and the U.S. continues to be a pillar of strength within the framework of our strategic partnership.

This multi-national logistics exercise is a great example of the level of our cooperation.  In this particular exercise, the Macedonia Armed Forces’ General Staff partnered with the U.S. Joint Forces Command in organizing, planning, and executing this important military logistics capability building event.    During this exercise, 8 countries and more than 95 military and civilian representatives are receiving valuable instruction in NATO logistic planning procedures. As a result, Macedonia will be better prepared to participate in NATO led crisis response operations.  

 In the past year, we have conducted more than 20 military training events, educated more than 50 Macedonian military officers in our military schools, and provided more than 2.8 million USD in other military assistance.  In 2010, we expect our assistance package to more than double, totaling more than 7 million dollars that will further assist the Macedonian Armed Forces in building capable and NATO interoperable forces.

In addition to purely military related cooperation, our military assistance has also contributed to the renovation of 4 public schools in 2009, with 7 more school renovation projects planned for 2010.  We have also conducted emergency crisis management exercises as well as medical and local government exchanges.  These examples underscore the depth and breadth of our military cooperation.

The Macedonian Armed Forces has proven itself as a reliable ally making valuable contributions in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  In a new initiative in 2010, we will again partner with the Macedonian Armed Forces in supporting the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.  In this new deployment, some 80 Macedonian soldiers will join elements from the U.S. Vermont National Guard in training Afghan security forces.    This speaks to our commitment to stand side by side in addressing the difficult security challenges that face our nations. 

Lastly, I want to re-iterate our continued support for Macedonia’s goal to become a member of NATO.    The Armed Forces have proven themselves worthy in every respect through their valuable contributions to NATO missions in Afghanistan and in support of KFOR, for which we are extremely grateful.