Skopje, October 17, 2022 (MIA) - The future of the Western Balkans, which is closely related to the European and Euro-Atlantic structures, especially in light of the new geopolitical reality, the current security risks arising from the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the necessity of effecting the projected ambition of the EU as a global actor, were the focus of the talks at today's meeting between the Minister of Defense Slavjanka Petrovska and the President of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, in Ljubljana. - North Macedonia and Slovenia are united in the values and principles that guarantee security and prosperity for the region, but also for the European continent. The two friendly countries have identical commitments to peace, freedom and democracy. Both countries have a common past, but more importantly - a common present and future, as part of the most powerful military-political alliance, NATO. Our countries are equally committed to guaranteeing a safe, democratic, prosperous future for their citizens. And we will achieve that only if we cooperate with each other, help each other, remember the lessons of history in order to create new lessons for example in the future, Pahor and Petrovska concluded at the meeting, the Ministry of Defense announced. They condemned the Russian aggression against Ukraine and said that it was an attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and a serious violation of the basic principles of international law. As stated in the announcement from the Ministry of Defense, the interlocutors also agreed that an immediate ceasefire and resolution of all open issues through diplomatic channels is needed. President Pahor emphasized that Slovenia is continuously a strong supporter of North Macedonia, constantly advocating for the acceleration of the integration of North Macedonia and the countries of the Western Balkans into the Union. Slovenian President Pahor welcomed the development of events in the context of North Macedonia's approach to the EU and expressed satisfaction that after so many years North Macedonia has a clear and strong European perspective. dk/sk/