Macedonian army chief visits Tirana

TIRANA, March 20 – Macedonian Army Chief of Staff, Major General Miroslav Stojanovski visited Tirana this week to meet with all top officials. Together with his Albanian counterpart and host Gen. Luan Hoxha they discussed modalities to strengthen military co-operation between the two countries through joint exercises and training. During his three-day visit to Albania, Gen. Stojanovski also met with Albanian President Alfred Moisiu and Defense Minister Fatmir Mediu. Moisiu highly evaluated the very good relations between the two neighboring countries saying that served to preserve security and stability in the region. Stojanovski said that NATO membership was not a privilege but responsibility and obligation.
Together with Croatia, Albania and Macedonia have signed a U.S.-backed agreement four years ago _ called the Adriatic Charter _ outlining a common military strategy and promoting regional cooperation. They hope to be able to join NATO by 2008. They also have army units in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq. (Tirana Times Staff)