Skopje, 22 November 2023 (MIA) – Informal meeting of leaders of NATO countries from the region kicked off Wednesday in Skopje focusing on Western Balkans and the wider security issues, such as Russia's war against Ukraine and its activities in the region.

The hosts, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, welcomed the Presidents of Albania and Croatia, Edi Rama and Zoran Milanović, as well as Miloš Spajić, the Prime Minister of Montenegro.

Speaking ahead of the start of the meeting, PM Kovachevski emphasized that hosting this meeting reaffirms our country's role as a security factor in the region, as well as underscores our commitment as a NATO member, actively dedicated to fulfilling our responsibilities within the NATO Alliance.

"We will discuss regional security issues today, but certainly, we will also tackle concluding topics related to the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Gaza Strip, and all other issues related to the establishment of long-term peace, stability, and security in our region, as well as in Europe and the world," stated PM Kovachevski.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a doorstep statement commended North Macedonia for being a successful country in some many different ways, including by “being a successful multiethnic society, demonstrating to the region but also to the wider world that people with their different background can live together in a peaceful way.”

“North Macedonia is a highly valued ally, and that is demonstrated not least by the fact that we convene this summit of NATO leaders here today. I look forward to discussing regional security with the leaders, but also to address some of the challenges we face beyond this region,” Stoltenberg added.

He welcomed the agreement between Hamas and Israel that should lead to the release of hostages and pause of hostilities and enable the delivery of humanitarian aid.

In attendance at the upcoming NATO meeting, alongside Prime Minister Kovachevski and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, will be the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, and the Prime Ministers of Albania, Edi Rama, and Montenegro, Miloš Spajić. However, due to health reasons, as informed by the Government, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, will be unable to attend.

Montenegrin Prime Minister Spajić, upon arrival, expressed satisfaction that his first official trip is to the NATO summit in North Macedonia. He emphasized that North Macedonia, situated at the heart of the Balkans, symbolizes the Alliance's commitments to the region.

"It's a privilege to be a part of this Alliance, and we will persist in our efforts to support and actively foster a credible NATO partnership," Spajić said.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, upon arrival, expressed satisfaction that all the regional leaders are together today, during a turbulent time for the world, with crises that have the potential to affect our region as well.

“Our focus should be on safeguarding what we currently have, even if it's not the highest quality of peace. It is a peace that we need to strengthen, and everyone should be committed to achieving comprehensive peace as we move forward together,” Rama said.