Skopje, 5 September 2023 (MIA) – Minister of Defense Slavjanka Petrovska addressed a panel discussion Tuesday in Skopje, titled “Promoting Democracy, Unity and Peace through Cultural Diplomacy in a New Era of Conflict and Violence”, as part of Cultural Diplomacy Forum 2023.

In her address, according to a press release from the Defense Ministry, Minister Petrovska touched upon the current security situation in Europe which has been “undermined by the brutal Russian aggression on Ukraine”, as well as North Macedonia’s position and experience with the creation of a stable and multi-ethnic democracy practicing European values.

“The challenges that are ahead of us, whether they are armed conflicts, humanitarian crises or natural disasters are complex and terrifying, and the response to these challenges is the reaffirming of our commitment to be united and to work together,” stressed the Minister.

Petrovska added that as a NATO member, but also led by its own personal decisions and commitments, North Macedonia is committed to the Alliance’s collective security, as well as to providing assistance to Ukraine as a European democracy which has a right to defend its independence and sovereignty. 

“The Alliance is stronger and more united than ever before in terms of strengthening collective security, as a guarantee for the security of NATO and the citizens of the member states,” underlined the Minister.

In the context of the cultural diplomacy, Minister Petrovska said that “it goes beyond political barriers and allows us to come together as humanity.” Petrovska touched upon the history and the lessons learned during the country’s 32 years of independence, as well as the need to take the next step that will open the path for the continuation of the EU integration process.

“All of us that are present here, have learned in our careers and experiences that the solution of difficult issues requires difficult decisions which are an important political step that looks to the future instead of to the past, a step that leads us to a better tomorrow for the coming generations. For me, this is real patriotism,” underscored the Minister.

After the Minister’s address, the panel discussion continued with the addresses of the panelists including the former Chair of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, Elmar Brok; former Prime Minister of Moldova, Natalia Gavrilița; former Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mohammad Haneef Atmar; former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Hassan Diab; and Fiona O'Loughlin, member of the Irish Senate.

According to the Defense Ministry, Elmar Brok, in his address, focused on the European idea and the importance of the enlargement policy and the need to increase the efficiency of the EU’s decision-making. The Former Moldovan PM, Natalia Gavrilița, spoke about the Moldovan experience in terms of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Hassan Diab, touched upon the importance of higher education for the development of tolerance, inclusivity and cultural diversity among future generations.

Supported by the Defense Ministry, the panel discussion is being held within the frameworks of the World Forum on Democracy and Peace, as a five-year project of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy.

Photo: Ministry of Defense