Skopje, 4 September 2023 (MIA) - Since joining NATO, North Macedonia has undertaken important steps to implement its defense reforms. In three years, the country has reached an impressive level of military integration in the Alliance, said Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, in Skopje on Monday.

Admiral Bauer told a joint press conference with Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Vasko Gjurchinovski, that North Macedonia's contribution to the Alliance, such as the support to the battle groups in Bulgaria, Latvia, Romania and Kosovo, is complemented by the serving of troops in peacekeeping missions.

"You are also contributing to the NATO response force that guarantee the security and defense of all allies. Since joining NATO, North Macedonia has undertaken important steps to implement its defense reforms. In three years, the country has reached an impressive level of military integration in the Alliance, adapting your structures and forces to NATO's needs and requirements while increasing your interoperability," said Bauer.

Minister Petrovska said North Macedonia and its allies have reaffirmed the pledge for investments of at least two percent of the GDP for defense purposes, which has been fully realized.

"North Macedonia is a pillar of regional security. We will continue to contribute with our forces to the NATO mission in Kosovo because we are convinced that regional security and stability must come before everything. This is the only way to create a prosperous region that will continue to leave in peace and democracy," said Petrovska.

General Gjurchinovski said he briefed Admiral Bauer over the ongoing processes involving the armed forces, as well as reforms and transformation of the Army, its operations in the country and within NATO.

Photo: MIA