Skopje, 28 March 2023 (MIA) - Tuesday's US-Adriatic Charter (A5) ministerial meeting is yet another opportunity to highlight members' support to Ukraine so far, as well as to stress preparadness for further practical and humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said at the opening of the informal meeting held as part of North Macedonia's A5 presidency. 

Osmani pointed out that since the beginning of the war, all A5 members in the region have donated about USD 17 million in humanitarian aid, while most of the members in the region have provided about USD 214 million in military assistance. He added that together with the United States, the amount is over USD 1.62 billion in humanitarian aid, and USD 32.7 billion in military assistance. 

Osmani, who opened the meeting in the capacity of A5 Chair, presented the priorities of North Macedonia's A5 presidency. In addition, he reaffirmed strong support to Ukraine and its people, strongly condemning the Russian aggression. 

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba addressed the meeting as a guest of honor. He welcomed the activities of North Macedonia's A5 presidency, which is taking place amid Russia's brutal war in Ukraine, pointing out that A5 is of vital importance for Europe's security. 

"It is of key importance to have the Adriatic Charter adjusted to the new reality in light of the current security challenges. I welcome your plans to step up the Charter's political role and find new security mechanisms for the region. The Adriatic Charter facilitated the Balkan Euro-Atlantic integration. Ukraina is on its NATO path, so we know how important that was," Kuleba said.

The US-Adriatic Charter is the most important initiative on promoting the Euro-Atlantic values in the region. In addition to North Macedonia, members include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro, while Kosovo, Serbia and Slovenia have the status of observers.  

Photo: MFA