Skopje, 26 September 2022 (MIA) - Development of the defense cooperation between North Macedonia and Germany, focused on defense policy, logistics, military medicine and military education and training was discussed Monday by Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska at a meeting with the German Ambassador, Anke Holstein, and the new defense attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Hans-Peter Wamsler. "Out two countries foster traditionally excellent relations that are also reflected in the defense. Germany is our dedicated partner and ally in the Alliance which has always supported us in meeting the strategic goals. We are very grateful for that," the Minister stated. Petrovska, Holstein and Wamsler also discussed current developments in the European continent concurring that NATO remains united in its goal - deterrence and defense of the NATO territory all the while calling for de-escalation and immediate ceasefire of the military actions in Ukraine and settlement of all open issues through dialogue with diplomatic means, the Defense Ministry said. North Macedonia and Germany have been cooperating in defense since 1996. German personal management experts were engaged as advisors during the preparation of the key defense document, the Strategic Defense Review. Nearly 200 Army servicemen attended German education and training centers as part of the bilateral cooperation. Germany has approved a request for expansion of the existing binational cooperation of the countries' armed forces through annual programs and military aid programs by 2023, said the press release.