The Day of the Army (ARM), 18 August, was observed on Wednesday with a solemn ceremony held at the premises of the Defence Ministry in Skopje. Defence Minister Radmila Sekerinska addressed the ceremony, and praised the professionalism demonstrated by all soldiers during the crisis with the wildfires across the country. “The situation with the wildfires confirmed that strength lies within unity and cooperation. We are grateful to Bulgaria, Slovenia, Austria, Serbia, Montenegro, France and Romania for the assistance they provided us, but we are especially grateful to our soldiers, who never backed down before the challenge and the risk over their lives,” Sekerinska said. President and Supreme Commander of ARM Stevo Pendarovski presented the Order of Military Merits of North Macedonia to all soldiers who took part in the international missions in Afghanistan. PM Zoran Zaev also extended his greetings for the Day of ARM. “Today we mark the day on which back in 1943 partisans established the first battalion ‘Mirce Acev’, and we pay our respects and extend our gratitude to all those who keep the security of our country. ARM has left a permanent mark in our history ever since our country declared independence,” PM Zaev said.