Skopje, 11 April 2023 (MIA) – Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska met on Tuesday with the Special Envoy and Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center James Rubin and discussed the negative impact of disinformation, especially considering the security situation in the region and Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as the ways in which the Ministry of Defense is developing its capabilities to tackle disinformation.

“Hybrid threats, including disinformation, aim to reduce our social resilience and cause internal divisions and citizens' mistrust in institutions and their effectiveness. Therefore, we must have a joint approach that unites the efforts of all stakeholders in society in facing this challenge,” Petrovska said.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Petrovska welcomed the openness of the Global Engagement Center for close cooperation with the institutions in North Macedonia.

Petrovska said that the increased level of misinformation related to the support that North Macedonia provides for the defence of Ukraine is clearly visible, just as it was evident in relation to full membership in NATO.

In regard to the ministry’s institutional capacities, Petrovska said that the defence works continuously and systematically in the development of the capabilities to tackle disinformation and that there is visible progress in the organization of the system.

“The Ministry is a leader in terms of active transparency, because in this way the media, through access to all information, can independently comprehend and convey the truth. We are aware of the harmfulness of misinformation and that is why I am pleased that together we will find solutions to this serious challenge,” she added.

Special Envoy James Rubin welcomed North Macedonia's efforts to develop the capacities tackle disinformation and expressed the willingness of the US State Department's Global Engagement Center to support our country with technical expertise and experience.

He added that the information and digital revolution should serve the purpose of spreading democracy and truth, and not be misused to undermine democracy and global security.

“A common approach and cooperation is the best way to successfully counter threats in the information space,” Rubin underlined.

They also discussed the development of the Regional Center for Public Relations, which is a NATO - Partner Center, and is in the process of receiving institutional accreditation by the Alliance and will function as a NATO School for Public Relations, reads the press release.

Photo: Ministry of Defence