Skopje, 26 February 2024 (MIA) – The war isn’t only against Kiev, but also against the democratic world and NATO; the support for Ukraine will continue, and we will cooperate on its path to EU membership, said participants in the “Ukraine: Two Years of Heroism” conference organized Monday by the Embassy of Ukraine in cooperation with CIVIL Center for Freedom.

“By opening opportunities for an accelerated integration of North Macedonia and Albania, with the candidate status and beginning of negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, by opening the European perspective of Georgia, the EU is showing that it isn’t only an economic alliance or a common market, but an alliance of states and nations who share the same values – values of peace, democracy, solidarity and mutual respect,” said Deputy Prime Minister for European affairs Bojan Marichikj at the conference.

“North Macedonia,” said Marichikj, “is one more example of the importance of being in an alliance such as NATO. But at the same time it is also an example that there are no small or great states, but there are countries and nations that nurture solidarity and unity and demonstrate them through their actions. The Macedonian nation, since the first day, has stood with the Ukrainian nation and with all other allies in NATO and the EU, in the fight against the aggression, war crimes and the violation of human dignity and international law.”

The Deputy PM said North Macedonia has a long history of cooperation and friendship with Ukraine, noting that the two countries have similar histories and a similar present from a political and security aspect. “Last year,” he said, “Ukraine became a candidate member for EU membership, an act which we welcome and believe that we will have good cooperation on the European path of our two countries.”

“Providing assistance to Ukraine is not a waste, but an investment in the future of a great and brave nation, but also an investment in our own security, stability and peace. Ukraine fights for the freedom and territorial integrity of the country, but also the freedom and peace in the entire world,” said Marichikj.

According to Deputy Prime Minister in charge of good governance policies, Slavica Grkovska, Ukraine’s fight is a far-reaching fight – “a fight for the top principles of humanity, of fairness and justice”.

“Everything that is happening on Ukrainian soil is a repetition of an old lesson that humanity seems unable to learn. A regime that kills others and its own to survive, a regime that rests on deep corruption... in which the interests of the few are more important than the lives of millions, such a regime inevitably leads to destruction and suffering. All of this reminds us of the importance of the democratic values of civilization,” said Grkovska in her address at the conference.

Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said North Macedonia will continue to support Ukraine as long as it is necessary.

“If the Russian Federation wins in Ukraine, the next station is deep within Europe. And who would be next if not the most vulnerable regions such as the Western Balkans? Even the multi-ethnic North Macedonia. This is why we must support Ukraine,” said Osmani.

Addressing the conference, Ukrainian Ambassador Larysa Dir said the war in Ukraine was not only a war against the country but also against the democratic world and NATO.

Through a video address at the conference, caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi expressed his support for Ukraine.

“As North Macedonia, or people who have lived here for centuries, we know exactly what it means to fight for freedom. We know exactly what it means to be on the right side of history. That’s why we joined the sanction and the foreign security policy of the European Union,” said Xhaferi.

Xhaferi stressed that Ukraine has a friend and a partner in the country’s current Government.

The conference is also expected to be addressed by EU Ambassador David Geer and U.S. Ambassador Angela Aggeler, as well as other diplomatic representatives.

Photo: MIA