Skopje, 15 November 2021 (MIA) – North Macedonia will officially complete its military integration in NATO with the signing of the joint declaration on Tuesday and become a full-fledged member of the Alliance. The country showed that it can deliver expected results, even with such an ambitious agenda, Minister of Defence Radmila Shekerinska said on Monday during the final conference of the group for military integration of the Republic of North Macedonia in NATO. “The only way we were able to achieve this was through the efforts and results of the Army and defence sector employees, who alongside NATO colleagues performed all 193 tasks that were part of the integration plan,” Shekrinska noted. Deputy Chief of General Staff, Major General Azim Nuredin, said during Monday’s event that tasks were carried out uninterrupted despite the coronavirus pandemic. Minister Shekerinska also discussed during the conference the government’s ambitions for North Macedonia to join NATO, stressing that accession was more than just a political task. “In the first year, we managed to conclude the planning stage. We set up a defence strategy and strategic military overview regarding the transformation of the Army, entailing modernization of staff, structure and legislation,” Shekerinska said, adding that 22 projects will be implemented to ensure that the Army is modern and efficient. In regard to projects, the Defence Minister also briefed that some have launched, others have wrapped up, while the majority will be implemented by 2028. “Aside from engineering machines, we’ve also procured vehicles, projected new weapons for the light infantry, secured equipment, ballistic protection, and artillery funds. We’ll invest in new helicopter units starting 2024 and continue investing in cyber security,” Minister Shekerinska underlined. She added expectations that Parliament will confirm projects part of the amended long-term plan, as activities set out in 2017 have to be adjusted to NATO requirements. The Minister also announced the establishment of medical units and a surgical team. Monday’s final conference wraps up North Macedonia’s military integration in NATO. A joint declaration will be signed at a ceremony on Tuesday, which marks the country becoming officially a NATO interoperable member. Gen. Lavigne will sign the document on behalf of NATO and the Chief of Staff, Major General Gjurchinovski will sign on behalf of North Macedonia.