Skopje, 11 July 2023 (MIA) — Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska took part in an informal meeting of NATO defense ministers held within NATO Summit in Vilnius on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release.

The defense ministers discussed the strengthening of defense and deterrence as a concept ensuring Euro-Atlantic security and stability; investing at least 2% of GDP into defense; and the support for Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and independence.

Minister Petrovska stressed that North Macedonia was an active and reliable ally contributing to NATO's eastern flank, as shown by the deployment of troops in the multinational forces of NATO in Latvia, Bulgaria and Romania.

"Macedonian soldiers, together with their colleagues from NATO countries, strengthen our collective security together, side by side," Minister Petrovska said.  

"We remain part of the NATO multinational forces because, for us, the security of every inch of allied territory and every citizen of NATO is of the highest priority," she added.

As regards investing in defense, Petrovska said North Macedonia would allocate 2 percent of GDP for defense in 2024 so it fulfills this important requirement in addition to allocating at least 20 percent of the defense budget into modernizing the army.

"Macedonian defense is developing like never before and all our investments are investments into our national and collective security, which is the foundations of our continuing to live in peace, democracy and prosperity," the defense minister said.

At the meeting, the defense ministers confirmed that NATO would continue supporting Ukraine.

Minister Petrovska said North Macedonia demonstrated its committment to supporting Ukraine by donating military equipment to its people fighting for their sovereignty and independence. mr/