Defense Minister Radmila Shekerinska paid Friday a visit to the NATO Defense College in Rome, speaking about North Macedonia’s experiences from its first year as NATO member.
“North Macedonia and NATO allies share the same values and principles – democracy, human rights, rule of law. Our common approach in managing current and future security challenges is maybe the largest benefit from our membership in the most powerful military-political alliance in history,” said Minister Shekerinska and added that the country has turned from beneficiary to contributor to global peace and security.
Shekerinska highlighted the importance of maintaining the Balkans’ European and Euro-Atlantic perspective and integration as the best guarantee for the stability in the area.
After a decade in standstill, she added, North Macedonia has shown there is a solution for every conflict, NATO has demonstrated the credibility of its open-door policy and got one more ally, and “now it’s EU’s turn”.
“NATO adapts to change, North Macedonia is now an exporter of security, whereas the country’s commitment to the Alliance values gives a strong incentive to the region’s security and stability. These are also EU’s values. The Union is responsible to make the right decisions and unblock the region’s Europeanization,” noted Shekerinska.
She also referred to the development of the country’s training capacities, especially the Krivolak army range, along with the Public Affairs Regional Centre that would enlarge its capacities regarding the prevention of disinformation and education opportunities, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release.
