The government remains on the defined strategic course. We delivered our promise of joining NATO and we’ll move the country forward to join the EU, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said Monday.

“We’ll continue pursuing reforms with an increased dynamic. It’s our duty to implement the European standards here, at home. There’s no other way for us, there’s no other alternative, and there’s no giving up. We’ll keep on going as in the first 100 days, together with the citizens, with care and accountability to securing stability,” Zaev said delivering an address on the government’s achievements in the first 100 days in office.

Starting this year, he added, North Macedonia has been working on the motto “We are NATO, we are stronger”.

“As Macedonians speaking Macedonian language we will join the EU, too,” the PM stressed.

By joining NATO, according to him, the country’s security has been guaranteed and its sovereignty and integrity are fully protected by the ‘most powerful political and military alliance in the history of human civilization.’

“We’re actively contributing to maintaining world peace and improving stability, mainly in our region, which is the top precondition for sustainable economic development,” Zaev said.

He informed that the procedure for aligning the cooperation memorandum with NATO regarding cyber defence has been completed and the document is due to be signed.

“After joining NATO, the government had decided to establish a center for support of local companies. Its primary task is to support companies by facilitating their breakthrough in the NATO market,” Zaev stated.

In a report of the Transparency International on Central and Eastern European countries, the PM recalled, the country is ranked second, being ranked higher than four EU members and six NATO members in terms of government integrity in the defence sector.

Furthermore, PM Zaev thanked NATO and the EU for demonstrating solidarity and providing assistance to help the country respond to the COVID-19 crisis.