An official ceremony for the handover and takeover of the post of Commander of the Multinational Brigade "South-Eastern Europe" (SEEBRIG) was held on 15 April, in Skopje. The outgoing Brigade Commander, Major General Aristeidis Iliopoulos, handed over command to his successor, Brigadier General Evangelos Mitroutsikos.
The Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria Mr. Yordan Bozhilov participated in the ceremony in his capacity of Chairman of the SEDM Process. He addressed words of gratitude to the outgoing Commander of the Brigade, Major General Iliopoulos, underlining his significant contribution to the activity and development of the Brigade over the past years. On behalf of the SEDM Chairmanship, Yordan Bozhilov presented him with the SEEBRIG Meritorious Service Medal and a letter of appreciation. In his speech, he also addressed the newly appointed Brigade Commander, General Mitroutsikos, expressing his confidence that he will continue to build on and develop the achievements of the previous Commander. He wished him good luck and success in his highly responsible duty.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Deputy Ministers of Defence, Deputy Chiefs of Defence and representatives of the Ministries of Defence of the MPFSEE member states - Republic of Albania, Republic of Bulgaria, Republic of Greece, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania and Republic of Turkey. The event was also attended by the Chief of Defence of the Republic of North Macedonia, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski, and representatives of the senior military and government leadership of the host country, Ambassadors and military attachés of the MPFSEE member states accredited to Skopje.