Skopje, 10 November 2023 (MIA) – Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska, as part of her official visit to Romania, met Friday with Macedonian soldiers who are participating in NATO’s multinational forces at Romania's Otopeni barracks.

“Each one of you is providing their own personal contribution to collective security and to North Macedonia’s success as a NATO member,” the Minister told the soldiers at the meeting, according to the Defense Ministry.

According to the Defense Ministry, Petrovska noted the high assessments for each of the 35 Macedonian soldiers participating in the NATO forces, and encouraged them “to remain committed, to do their best, create friendships and acquaintances that will last forever, and to return to their country, to their families, enriched by the significant experience.”

At the Otopeni base, in the presence of the commander of the multinational forces, Brigadier General Constantin Nicolaescu, Petrovska voiced gratitude for the warm welcome and the selfless contribution of all NATO soldiers to the mission, which, she said, “is a confirmation that NATO protects, unites and strengthens”.

“I am exceptionally grateful for the great support that you are providing to the Macedonian soldiers. I am convinced that each member of the Army provides their own contribution and that the unbreakable bonds that you have created here will last forever,” said the Minister.

North Macedonia began contributing to NATO’s multinational forces in Romania in November 2022, by sending 35 members of its army to participate in the forces. The goal of NATO’s multinational forces is to boost collective security in the eastern flank of the Alliance and to demonstrate unity in the protection of every inch of allied territory.

Photo: Ministry of Defense