Skopje, 26 September 2023 (MIA) - Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and Slovenian counterpart Marjan Šarec signed Tuesday the new bilateral defense cooperation agreement that contributes to the building of friendship and mutual cooperation. 

"Our two countries have a tradition of friendly political relations but I am happy to say that cooperation is much more than this. We have been part of joint projects for a while now, contributing as NATO allies in meeting the Alliance's objectives and policies. Areas of cooperation are many, but most importantly, this agreement will contribute to the strengthening of peace, trust, stability and prosperity of regional states and the entire Euro-Atlantic area," Minister Petrovska told a joint press conference with colleague Šarec.

Petrovska added that cooperation between the two countries has contributed to improved interoperability and collective security.

"We are jointly contributing to the NATO multinational forces in Latvia, clearly demonstrating our commitment to the most important objective - safe Alliance and safe citizens. North Macedonia and Slovenia enjoy exceptionally fruitful regional cooperation as well. We are working together on the development of the Balkan Medical Task Force, which are seated here, and we are thankful to Slovenia for its active contribution in this initiative," said Petrovska.

Minister Šarec said cooperation between the two countries has been excellent.

"There is regular dialogue at all levels, between ministries, state secretaries, defense policy directors, through various bilateral and multilateral formats. The new defense cooperation agreement comes as a result of all these activities. Moreover, I see the continued cooperation in international operations and missions as an extremely important aspect," noted Šarec.

He thanked North Macedonia for being among the first countries to provide assistance following the devastating floods in Slovenia in June, when 100 Army troops were deployed in the humanitarian operation.

Photo: MIA