Skopje, 7 February 2022 (MIA) – North Macedonia undoubtedly contributes to European and regional security and to EU common defence and security policy, Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska said Monday during the meeting with the EU Ambassador David Geer. She noted that Army members are part of the EU-led mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ALTHEA as well as the mission in Central African Republic. “The country is part of Europe, lives European values and respects European principles and therefore it is necessary to take the next step-opening of EU accession negotiations. Opening of accession negotiations is a challenge that will have positive impact on improving the processes in the country,” Petrovska said. Petrovska noted that the integration of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans into the EU is a geostrategic goal and a political, security and economic interest for both the region and the European Union. “We appreciate your support and we are ready to open accession negotiations,” Petrovska said. Petrovska and Geer agreed that the EU and North Macedonia recognize the importance of addressing issues of countering hybrid threats, critical infrastructure and civil protection, and deepening cooperation in these areas. EU Ambassador Geer welcomed the plans of the Defence Ministry for turning our NATO Center, the Regional Center for Public Relations into the Center for Fighting Disinformation, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release.