Skopje, 25 September 2023 (MIA) - Norway's Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said Monday his country would donate over 70 vehicles to the Army, noting that the 30-year-long bilateral relations have strengthened after North Macedonia's NATO accession.

"Norway is set to donate more than 70 army vehicles to the armed forces of North Macedonia. Norway has also supported several programmes in the country's defense sector related to promotion of gender issues, fight against corruption, integrity in defense. We expect this cooperation to continue through the cooperation with the engineering battalion, as well as on alpine training and as part of the Balkan Medical Task Force. We also discussed on more integration and strengthened cooperation between our forces in the region," said Minister Gram.

He added that both countries are allies, share close cooperation, and would defend each other if needed.

"It is very practical that we are sitting next to each other in NATO, which in a way symbolizes our standing shoulder to shoulder in the Alliance and in our bilateral defense cooperation," said Gram.

Ministers Petrovska and Gram discussed NATO activities and agreed that the Russian attack on Ukraine must be condemned.

"The war in Ukraine could be prolonged and it is essential that we remain united in our strong support to Ukraine in their struggle," noted the Norwegian MoD.

Minister Petrovska said North Macedonia and Norway have enjoyed constructive and fruitful cooperation that has yielded real and tangible results, while thanking Oslo for its support, including combat and non-combat vehicles, but also through participation in projects for development of Krivolak army field and the specific equipment that contributes to the Army development.

"The areas in which we cooperate are joint training and expert talks on building our capacities, especially in the context of the NATO capability objectives and military medical support. Norway is a country-partner within the Balkan Medical Task Force, which seat is located in North Macedonia, and we truly value your support for this initiative. You helped us a lot during the covid-crisis and Norway can truly be called North Macedonia's friend. We are also jointly building the ministries' integrity and we have also set up the Public Affairs Regional Center, which aims to develop into a NATO school of public relations. This is a center that benefits North Macedonia, Norway and other allies," said Minister Petrovska.

She added that both countries are unequivocally committed to NATO security and their citizens and jointly participate in peacekeeping missions, while highlighting the excellent political relations.

Photo: MIA