Skopje, 17 September 2024 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski and the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Matthew Lawson, signed Tuesday a Memorandum of Cooperation for the realization of the second phase of the project for an efficient interdepartmental coordination of activities resulting from NATO membership.

“With today’s signing of the memorandum, we are continuing our valuable cooperation with the United Kingdom, with the goal of further enhancing our alliance. At the same time, the implementation of the second phase of the project will enable additional strengthening of our capacities and contribute to the further establishment of the country as a credible NATO membership,” Minister Mucunski said, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. 

Mucunski also stressed that this represents additional confirmation of the commitments of both countries to strengthen collective defense and guarantee the overall security of the NATO alliance.

Ambassador Lawson noted that the two countries are strong NATO allies and partners and voiced satisfaction with the realization of the project that strengthens mutual relations.

“Our previous engagement focused on the construction of the NATO Directorate within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the establishment of the National Coordination Council for NATO. We will now work together to develop strong cross government NATO structures who will develop and share analysis and provide advice to senior decision makers on issues important to the security of both our countries. I look forward to continuing the work that contributes to the wider security and stability of North Macedonia and the United Kingdom, as well as our allies in NATO,” Ambassador Lawson stressed after the signing of the Memorandum.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the project is expected to last until March 2025, and it is expected to contribute to a skillful and highly competent participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and civil experts in the work of NATO structures. Additionally, it is expected to promote the overall readiness of the country’s institutions to ensure an effective and efficient management of political roles in the area of security policy and security issues. 

Photo: MFA