Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi opened Tuesday three-day initial planning conference for exercise "SEESIM 12" (Southeast Europe Simulation Network).

He stressed the region successfully achieves planned objectives through promotion of national and regional exercises, but also through civil-military cooperation in responding to emergency situations.

"Such cooperation increases national capacities of acting in line with NATO and EU standards", added Besimi.

According to him, Macedonia wants to provide its contribution by hosting the initial planning conference, in a time of global crisis and limited budgets, thus confirming its serious approach towards this process.

"Joint cooperation and cooperation is required, especially with regards to emerging threats and needs, and we have to cope with all challenges, be it human-related or natural disasters", said Minister Besimi.

Besimi also expressed gratitude for the continual United States contribution in providing logistics, technical and expert assistance for the project's successful implementation.

U.S. co-chair Donovan Morris said the initial planning conference contributed to better individual and collective response by countries to crisis issues.

"SEESIM 12" co-chair from Bulgaria, Colonel Valentin Tsvetanov also wished successful work to exercise participants, saying cooperation in the planning process is crucial in the achievement of positive results.