Minister of Defense Fatmir Besimi visited Thursday the participants at a six-day joint mountain training of the ARM Special Operations Regiment and the US Vermont National Guard, which is part of the Joint Contact Team Program for 2012.

"This is another proof that the Macedonian Army is meeting modern standards and adequately it is in a position to address all challenges. This training is an indisputable proof of the importance of sharing experiences and joint cooperation in defense. With joined efforts and intentions we work to make the region a place of cooperation, stability and security," minister Besimi stated.

Nine members of the Vermont National Guard and eleven members of the Special Operations Regiment are attending the training, which takes place between July 8-13 in the vicinity of Skopje and Demir Kapija.

The Macedonian Army and the US Armed Forces established a cooperation in 1995, which has been expanded in many fields, including the joint mission in Afghanistan in 2010.