Skopje, 19 May 2023 (MIA) - North Macedonia is a member of NATO thanks to the strong support provided by Germany, said Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska at Friday's meeting with German Ambassador Petra Drexler.

"We believe the strong German support is a prerequisite for successful realization of our second strategic priority - full-fledged European Union membership - an objective we are working hard to achieve," said Minister Petrovska.

Ambassador Drexler said the two countries share excellent military-political cooperation, noting it is very important for North Macedonia to continue to move forward on the European integration path through implementation of the constitutional changes, so that the process is not delayed, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release.

"North Macedonia has an excellent opportunity to open the EU negotiating chapters by making the constitutional changes, in order to avoid losing precious time and the risk of long-standing delays in the integration process," said Drexler.

Petrovska and Drexler highlighted the excellent bilateral cooperation in the defense sector, including in military education and training, along with the possibilities for its enhancement.

Interlocutors agreed that both countries would continue to actively contribute in the maintenance of peace, stability and security in Europe and the region, as well as provide maximum support to the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom, reads the press release.

Photo: Ministry of Defense