Skopje, 7 February 2024 (MIA) – The formation of the Council for Coordination of North Macedonia's Activities within NATO is a direct necessity arising from our membership in the Alliance, caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi, said during his address at the inaugural session for the formation of the NATO Activities Council in the Government on Wednesday.

“In light of the security and stability challenges we encounter as members of the Euro-Atlantic community, this council enhances our resilience and contributes to our coordinated approach as institutions when security, in the broadest sense of NATO's mission, is in question,” Xhaferi noted.

He expressed gratitude for the support from the United Kingdom for the formation of the Council to the Ministry of Defence and the Government, which represents a major aspect of the overall support the country receives from London, accelerating our Euro-Atlantic integration.

“In times when the world is facing disrupted security, challenges to our values and principles from authoritarian actors, every joint approach and contribution are crucial in maintaining stability and security, as well as strengthening our position as a stabilizing factor in the region. That is precisely the outcome I expect this council to achieve, but we are not just a factor for stability in the region; we contribute hand in hand with our other allies, currently 31, soon to be 32, in preserving the peace of over a billion citizens who share our democratic principles for peace and stability.

As a member of the world’s most powerful military alliance, North Macedonia is committed to safeguarding the security of its citizens and those of its allies, through the implementation of defence and deterrence policies.  We are investing in the agreed-upon comprehensive plans since the Cold War era, designed for an appropriate response and resistance to the two main threats to the Alliance - Russia and terrorism,” Xhaferi noted.

He added that this year we achieved the targeted contribution of 2 percent of GDP for defence. He also announced the continuation of strong support for Ukraine, which has been defending its territory from Russia for two years now, fighting for its freedom. North Macedonia, he said, will stand by Ukraine as long as it is needed.

“This year marks 75 years since the establishment of NATO and four years since our full membership. I am pleased to lead the activities as Prime Minister, through which we will send a clear message of our strong unity both within the Government and within the Alliance,” Xhaferi said.

British Ambassador Matthew Lawson, addressing the inaugural session of the NATO Activities Council, underscored the significance of this structure in facilitating coordination among institutions and North Macedonia's role as a member of the Alliance.

“The inauguration of the National Council today is part of our commitment to support you as a partner and ally of NATO. We collaborate closely with NATO allies, particularly the United States, to train and equip a battalion that will be prepared for deployment in 2026/2027. We will support you in establishing civil-military coordination that will function within the Ministry of Defence, and we look forward to expanding such collaboration with key ministries, as well as with the Ministry of Defence if requested... As countries, we are faced with many challenges, and only together can we overcome them. This is indeed the key message of 75 years of NATO - that together we are stronger,” Ambassador Lawson said.

Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani highlighted that in a few weeks, we will celebrate the fourth anniversary of the country’s NATO membership, the largest, most significant, and foremost strategic priority of the state. Membership, he stated, has ensured peace, stability, security, as well as political and economic predictability.

“Our membership over these past four years has coincided with some of the greatest challenges confronting both the Alliance and the world. It began with the pandemic, followed by the illegal Russian aggression in Ukraine, ongoing hybrid threats, yet I believe the overall impression is that over these four years, our country has proven itself to be a credible partner to NATO. Not only have we demonstrated efficiency in integration, I believe we achieved record-fast military integration. However, in political integration and the contribution we made over these four years, whether related to Russian aggression in Ukraine or NATO's challenges in general, we have become a credible partner,” Osmani underlined.

He underscored that as we approach the celebration of NATO's 75th anniversary this year, a historic summit awaits in Washington, for which we must be prepared. This, he stated, is just one of the reasons why decision-making within NATO should be approached comprehensively. The initiation of this coordination process, he noted, will be crucial for ensuring that all perspectives of all institutions are considered in decision-making, Osmani add.

He underscored that the risk should not be underestimated despite our NATO membership, as we now realize more than ever the vulnerability of this region, with the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Serbia-Kosovo relationship, rising nationalism, and our own dilemmas regarding strategic orientation. All of these could be points that, when connected, form a frontline, and there is a serious risk of increased Russian influence in our country.

“NATO is not only significant to us, but we are also vital to NATO. I am confident that our coordination moving forward, where all decisions will be jointly made here under the leadership of the Prime Minister, involving all ministries and institutions, will enhance the quality of decisions, ensure inclusivity across all institutions, and, of course, further bolster the credibility of our country with our partners,” Osmani said.

Following the inauguration, the session for the formation of the NATO Activities Council continued behind closed doors. Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska, whose attendance was announced, was absent from the session.

Photo: print screen