Ahead of Monday’s NATO Summit, the first with North Macedonia as a full-fledged member, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said that the country is fully committed to collective security, MIA reports from Brussels.
“This is the first NATO Summit for North Macedonia as a full member. It is also the first Summit for NATO with 30 member countries. This is a great success for both North Macedonia and NATO. NATO membership was a realization of our strategic goal, but furthermore, with our membership the Alliance improved security and stability for the Western Balkan,” stressed Zaev, who is heading North Macedonia’s summit delegation, which also includes Defence Minister Radmila Shekerinska and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani.
The PM added that North Macedonia is committed to a vision of the Balkan in the 21st century, as a region of peace, stability and increased regional economic cooperation, which will bring economic benefit and prosperity of all citizens.
“Today, we’re here to reaffirm our unity, cohesion and solidarity. We will also address future challenges and together make strategic-level decisions for further adaptation in NATO. We share the same values, stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies and are fully committed to our collective security because we are NATO – we are stronger together,” the Prime Minister said ahead of the Summit.
According to reports, Zaev will meet with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev around 5 pm to discuss the upcoming crucial EU ministerial meeting at which a decision should be made over holding the first intergovernmental conference with North Macedonia, set to mark the official start of the country’s EU talks, which is still being blocked by Sofia.
“All meetings have been beneficial. I expect progress, a better future for all our citizens and finding a solution through dialogue,” Zaev noted.
He reiterated that North Macedonia has been an EU candidate country for over 16 years.
“I expect Bulgaria, our closest neighbor to the east, to finally support the first intergovernmental conference,” the PM added.
