In the attendance of Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi, Chief of Macedonian Army (ARM) Staff, Major-General Goranco Koteski and local authorities, an ARM contingent from the first mechanized infantry brigade left Tuesday for the ISAF peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan.

Minister Besimi voiced satisfaction from the troops' courage to defend the pride and honor of ARM far from their homes. He thanked the peacekeepers for their contribution towards Macedonia's affirmation in global processes.

"Our 150 members in the ISAF troops come from a small country on the south of the Balkans, but one with a big heart and a highly professional army. This is a respectable number compared to other participants in this collective mission", added Besimi.

The 149-strong contingent will be deployed at the ISAF Command in Kabul during the next six months. They will execute their tasks within the UK Army contingent.