Skopje, 3 March 2026 (MIA) - Today’s complex security circumstances demand vigilance, preparedness, stronger early‑warning mechanisms, and more robust, sustainable investments in defense capabilities. North Macedonia is a loyal NATO ally and contributes to the security of the entire region, stressed President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at a joint press conference Tuesday during Rutte's official visit to the country.

“At this moment, that’s why the NATO Secretary General is here as well, it is essential to overcome differences within NATO, or to align them, in order to ensure cohesion based on the shared values and principles on which NATO is founded,” President Siljanovska-Davkova stressed.

The President said NATO is not just a military alliance but also a union of shared responsibility and joint vision, stressing that the country will continue to be a responsible member of the alliance.

“As a credible ally we are implementing the plan of defense investments. I would like to stress that this isn’t about percentages and figures, but about investments in our shared defense and security. We are actively contributing to NATO’s defensive position and with that we are demonstrating that our security is a shared responsibility,” the President said.

Siljanovska-Davkova highlighted complete EU integration as the best guarantee for peace and security in the Western Balkan, adding that she expects the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara to pay particular attention to the security situation in the Western Balkans in view of current challenges.

“We must put an end to the artificial reasons and identity-based reasons for EU membership and focus on the Copenhagen criteria. The greatest investment and guarantee not only for our security, but also the security of Europe as a whole, is our membership, as well as the Western Balkan’s membership, in the EU,” the President stressed.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte underscored that North Macedonia is a staunch and valued NATO ally contributing to the security of the alliance’s eastern flank.

“North Macedonia devotes more than 2 percent of its GDP to defense spending in 2025, this is vital progress as allies, including North Macedonia, prepare their credible paths to reach 5 percent of defense spending by 2035, as you already mentioned. This is no time to be complacent. All allies have to do more. Increasing investment in defense and ramping up production is key to reaching our agreed capability targets and to fully resourcing the NATO plans, activities, and missions. The result is more security, more economic growth, and more jobs. I also commend North Macedonia’s steadfast support for Ukraine,” Rutte said.

The Secretary General said the alliance must work together to support shared security, noting that North Macedonia plays a crucial role in safeguarding stability across the Western Balkans.

“Our commitment to the region’s stability is steadfast, and we will not allow a security vacuum to emerge. North Macedonia has long supported our KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, and for that I thank you. KFOR continues to play a fundamental role in support of lasting security for the benefit of all people living in Kosovo. We will continue to ensure that KFOR remains robust and fit for purpose. NATO is committed to defending every inch of allied territory, wherever the challenge may come from. We are just four months away from our next NATO summit in Ankara this July. Preparations are well underway. In Ankara, we must be able to demonstrate that allies are making tangible progress to increase investment in defense, ramp up defense production and continue our support for Ukraine. I know we can count on North Macedonia to play its part,” Rutte stressed. 

Photo: MIA