SEEBRIG HQ closes a chapter in North Macedonia to open a new one in Türkiye
Kumanovo, North Macedonia
On July 15, 2026, the South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) Headquarters (HQ) concluded a successful six-year chapter at Camp “Boro Menkov” in Kumanovo, North Macedonia, marking its official closing ceremony before relocating to Istanbul, Türkiye. The poignant milestone brought together high-ranking military commanders, state ministers, and international diplomats to 9+celebrate alongside SEBRIG this significant moment in the HQ effort for enhancing regional cooperation and peace.
The ceremony commenced with the SEEBRIG Commander (COMSEEBRIG), Brigadier General (BG) Bilbil BITRI, Albanian Army, warmly receiving the distinguished visitors, ambassadors, defense attachés, and political delegates arriving at the Kumanovo installation. Greetings set a tone of military and diplomatic respect and shared purpose.
The activity featured keynote speeches delivered by the COMSEEBRIG, the SEDM-CC / PMSC Chairman, Ambassador a.h. Eleftherios Anghelopoulos, the North Macedonia’s Minister of Defence, Mr. Vlado Misajlovski and Chief of Defense (CHOD), Major General Saško LAFČISKI. Each speaker underscored the enduring value of regional trust, operational flexibility, and long-term stability across South-Eastern Europe. Their addresses not only reviewed the critical milestones achieved during this chapter but also expressed confidence on the brigade brigade’s future evolution.
In his remarks COMSEEBRIG, BG. Bitri acknowledged the important role the Host Nation, in every level, has played in supporting SEEBRIG pursuing it mission and objectives and also underscored that “SEEBRIG has every reason to be proud for the history of SEEBRIG and of course for what was delivered and achieved during these years here in Kumanovo”.
“The achievements accomplished together during this period, stated BG. Bitri, will remain an important part of the Brigade’s legacy and a lasting example of what can be achieved through unity, cooperation, and shared commitment to peace and stability. Together, we have demonstrated that trust, solidarity, and partnership are the true foundations of lasting peace and security.”
North Macedonia’s Minister of Defence and the CHOD highlighted their nation’s pride in serving as a reliable, active, and deeply dedicated host for the brigade. They noted that the cooperative spirit cemented within the Kumanovo HQ has tangibly strengthened regional security, military interoperability, and cross-border friendships. This successful hosting period firmly reinforces North Macedonia’s standing as a cornerstone of stability and unified defense collaboration in the region.
In his address Ambassador a.h. Eleftherios Anghelopoulos stated that the relocation of the HQ marks the completion of an important chapter of both SEDM Process and SEEBRIG. Within the broader context of SEDM initiative, SEEBRIG serves as a key instrument for promoting defence cooperation and building trust among the MPFSEE nations. During its six years presence in Kumanovo SEEBRIG HQ continued to fulfill its mission while adapting to the evolving security environment. The relocation process marks the beginning of a new era but the memory of the activities in Kumanovo must be preserved as a reminder of what has been accomplished and, at the same time, highlights SEEBRIG’s direction in the future.
Retiring the Colors and Handing Over the Standard
One of the most emotional moments arrived when the SEEBRIG flag was slowly lowered from the main mast. The ceremonial lowering reflected the formal cessation of daily operational activities at the Kumanovo HQ, prompting a reflective silence among the attendees.
In a deeply symbolic gesture of transition, COMSEEBRIG handed the SEEBRIG flag over to the Host Nation CHOD. This traditional act signified profound gratitude for the robust logistics, unwavering support, and warm hospitality provided by North Macedonia over the years. The transfer encapsulated the passing of a legacy, ensuring that the bonds forged in Kumanovo remain intact as the brigade prepares for its next operational phase.
Honors, Awards, and Rewards. An integral part of the assembly was the comprehensive award ceremony, where dedicated multinational personnel received prestigious service medals and formal certificates of appreciation from both the North Macedonian Minister of Defense and the CHOD. Leaders explicitly praised the SEEBRIG Nucleus Staff officers and NCOs as well as the HN support elements for maintaining exceptional operational standards and displaying unwavering professionalism throughout the six-year deployment. These accolades recognized the intense personal collective efforts that defined the daily success of the HQ.
The official ceremony was concluded by an iconic Family photo, to serve as a time-capsule for the SEEBRIG Family and the distinguished guests who honored us with their presence.
Photographic Reflection. Following the formal ceremony, the attendees walked through a meticulously curated photographic exhibition detailing the entirety of the Kumanovo tenure. The vivid images captured dynamic multinational exercises and training, high-level official visits, evaluation visits of the affiliated units but also moments on social interaction of the SEEBRIG family members, ceremonies and celebrations as well as the impactful local community outreach initiatives conducted from 2020 onward. This visual journey offered a nostalgic look back at the faces, challenges, and shared triumphs that shaped the unique identity of the base.
Unveiling the “SEEBRIG Stone”. A commemorative plaque and a crafted stone monument were officially unveiled in front of the SEEBRIG HQ building in Camp “Boro Menkov”. This permanent marker stands as an enduring physical testimony to six years of shared military friendship, institutional cooperation, and regional unity. Long after the HQ relocates, this monument will remain a proud reminder of the time when Kumanovo was the heart of South-Eastern European defense cooperation.
Final Farewell. The ceremony concluded with warm handshakes, toasts, and emotional farewells among multinational comrades-in-arms who served side-by-side. While the physical HQ in Kumanovo is officially closing, the rich operational legacy and personal bonds established here remain as a foundational pillar for future regional cooperation and peace support efforts. The spirit of unity celebrated during this ceremony will undoubtedly continue to guide SEEBRIG in its next historic chapter.
Looking Ahead to Türkiye. As the final notes of the ceremony faded, the focus of the leadership naturally shifted toward the broader operational roadmap and the upcoming transition to Istanbul. The relocation to Türkiye promises further modernization, enhanced strategic connectivity, and fresh opportunities for SEEBRIG to adapt to the evolving security challenges. COMSEEBRIG expressed absolute confidence that the new HQ will build effectively upon the foundations established in North Macedonia.
The highly anticipated chapter of this transition centers on the complex process of relocation of the SEEBRIG to Istanbul, Türkiye, where a state-of-the-art facility stands ready to host the multinational brigade HQ. While one chapter ends, another one unfolds.
