Skopje, 22 April 2024 (MIA) – Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska met Monday with Angus Lapsley, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning, and his team and discussed the security situation in Europe, the fulfillment of NATO capability goals, and the ongoing equipment and modernization process of the Macedonian Army's capabilities, Defence Ministry said in a press release.

“North Macedonia, like the other allies, is ambitious and committed to fulfilling NATO capability goals. This is clearly evident through the fulfillment of the two NATO criteria related to defense budgeting. We invest 2.05% of the Macedonian GDP in security, with nearly one-third of that invested in the equipment and modernization of the Army,” Petrovska said during the meeting at the Ministry of Defence.

She reaffirmed North Macedonia's commitment to strengthening NATO's collective security, through participation in the Alliance's multinational battlegroups in Romania, Bulgaria, and Latvia. Simultaneously, the country positioned itself as a pillar of regional stability. Petrovska emphasized that our dedication to the region is exemplified by our participation in NATO's mission in Kosovo, KFOR, and the EU-led military operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Petrovska and Lapsley also discussed the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington, where the 75th anniversary of the Alliance's founding will be celebrated, highlighting the unity of all member states, as well as the values and principles at the core of the Alliance.

The interlocutors also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, which defends its independence and territorial integrity. Minister Petrovska informed that North Macedonia has so far made 14 decisions for military and humanitarian aid to this country, as reported by the Ministry of Defence.

Photo: Ministry of Defence