Skopje, 8 November 2024 (MIA) – The council coordinating activities related to the Republic of North Macedonia’s NATO membership held Friday its first session after the formation of the new government.

In his capacity as chairman of the Council, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski chaired the session, also attended by all Council members and NATO ambassadors serving in the country, the government said in a press release. 

Mickoski stressed the importance of our NATO membership and the close inter-institutional coordination within the government on important issues in the NATO agenda and the implementation of our commitments stemming from NATO membership. 

“As a credible ally, our country remains committed to its pledge to contribute to protecting collective security and regional peace, stability and prosperity. Also, according to our capacities, we remain committed to providing sustainable support for Ukraine and its ambitions to achieve peace. Implications from current global challenges require united and strong response from all Alliance members. We thank the allies with whom we share Euro-Atlantic values and responsibilities, for our joint security and stability as well as for their support in strengthening national capacities and maintaining the level of preparedness as a NATO member country,” said Mickoski. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski addressed the session in his capacity and co-chair of the Council. 

“Today’s meeting of the Council, considered a platform for comprehensive exchange of information and discussion on all key topics and building of national positions and for proposing decisions for their implementation, is a practical proof of our dedications for a quality contribution to advancing regional peace and stability and transatlantic security as well. Our goal is to focus on establishing a fully functional, effective and sustainable structure, such as the Council, so as to further strengthen our institutional capacities, policy creation and defining of positions, which are important both for the country and the Alliance,” stated Mucunski. 

Being Council’s co-chair, Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski also addresses the session.

“In the session, we discussed current issues of importance for the country’s defense and security, which require comprehensive approach, aligned positions and coordinated actions within NATO. According to the agenda, we discussed the modalities for future support of Ukraine. I briefed the Council on defense-related activities involving the decisions contained in the Declaration, adopted by the heads of state and government at the Washington NATO Summit, and on the defense ministers’ meeting held October 17-18, 2024, at NATO HQ in Brussels,” said Misajlovski. 

Council members had the opportunity to share views on current security developments, including the implementation of decisions reached at the Washington NATO Summit, including developments in Ukraine, the country’s commitment to providing long-term support for Ukraine, and on implementation of our commitments to promoting security at regional and global level alongside other NATO allies, said the press release. 

The Council is set to meet on regular basis so as to maintain adequate dynamic for active monitoring of developments and the needs of the Alliance according to the obligations stemming from our NATO membership. 

Photo: Government's press office