Skopje, 19 September 2023 (MIA) – Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska attended on Tuesday the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Ramstein, Germany, hosted by the US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.

At the meeting, which was attended by 35 ministers of defence and senior military officials of NATO member states and partner countries, Petrovski said that North Macedonia is resolute in its support for Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens who are fighting for their sovereignty and independence.

“North Macedonia stands in solidarity with Ukraine and its citizens. The Ministry of Defence continues to provide its support in accordance with the Government's decisions and requests from the Ukrainian side. Preparations for the implementation of training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces are in the final stage, and I want to emphasize that we are considering additional training opportunities in our country in the near future. We are convinced that there is no alternative to the continued support for Ukraine,” Petrovska said, adding that respect for the principles of the international legal order is imperative, especially when Europe is faced with security threats. Only through joint efforts and determination to respect these principles can we have long-lasting peace and stability, Petrovska noted.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany, Siemtje Möller, delivered opening remarks at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting.

The Ukraine Defence Contact Group is a group of over 50 countries that, led by the United States, is coordinating the delivery of assistance and support to Ukraine.

Photo: Ministry of Defence