Skopje, 17 July 2014 (MIA) — Defense Minister Vladimir Misajlovski met Wednesday with French Ambassador Cyrille Baumgartner and Kosovo Ambassador Florian Qehaja.

The meeting with Ambassador Baumgartner focused on the countries' partnership as part of NATO, the contribution to the overall political and security stability of the region, and the allocation of a defense budget in accordance with NATO commitments.

“We remain committed to strengthening our allied defense cooperation with France, which is our ally and long-term partner, primarily in the field of strategic defense consultations, given that modernizing and equipping the army is our highest priority,” Misajlovski said.

Baumgartner said the excellent bilateral defense cooperation, military education and language training would continue and stressed the French support for the country’s membership in the EU.

Misajlovski and Baumgartner also discussed the national wildfire crisis.

At the meeting with Ambassador Qehaja, Minister Misajlovski discussed regional stability, the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU, and the promotion of good neighborly relations.

According to a Ministry of Defense press release, Ambassador Qehaja at the meeting also expressed gratitude for the ongoing bilateral cooperation. mr/