Skopje, 6 September 2024 (MIA) — Minister of Defense Vlado Misajlovski took part Friday in a meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group at the US air base in Ramstein, according to an official press release.

The meeting was chaired by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This was the first time Zelensky had participated in a Ukraine Contact Group meeting, the Ministry of Defense notes.

Other participants included defense ministers and senior representatives of NATO member states and partner countries. They met at Ramstein to discuss ways of continuing to support the country under Russia's attack.

Meeting participants confirmed that international legal order principles had to be honored and expressed unequivocal support for the defense of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

A total of 57 countries, including all 32 members of NATO, make up the Ukraine Contact Group, a platform led by the USA to coordinate efforts to help Ukraine.

"Our country remains committed to supporting Ukraine and its citizens," the Ministry of Defense release says.

Minister Misajlovski at Ramstein, on the sidelines of the Ukraine Contact Group meeting, also held meetings with his counterparts from Bulgaria, Albania and Kosovo and with the Deputy Minister of Defense of Romania, confirming their commitment to lasting peace in Europe. mr/