Skopje, 1 October 2025 (MIA) - Security and stability are top priorities for North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Without these prerequisites, it is not possible to talk about development in other areas, such as the economy, Defence Minister Vlado Misajlovski said after Wednesday's meeting with his Bosnian counterpart Zukan Helez, who is paying an official visit to the country.

Misajlovski has assured Helez that North Macedonia, as NATO member, supports Bosnia and Herzegovina's integration process in the Alliance, expressing readiness to share experiences and help in strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

"I assured Minister Helez that as a NATO member, we give steadfast support to Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening relations with the Alliance. We are ready to share our experience in the NATO integration process, which I believe as friendly countries we must do, we must support and help each other in achieving our goals for a better future for our citizens," Misajlovski said at a joint press conference on Wednesday.

Misajlovski pointed out that Macedonia remains steadfastly committed to its contribution to the European Union's ALTHEA peacekeeping mission, which aims to maintain stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting that 33 Macedonian army members are currently participating. Misajlovski also expressed gratitude for the cooperation and openness, pointing out that enhanced cooperation will contribute to strengthening regional security and stability.

Helez thanked for the assistance in the education of Bosnian cadets at the Mihailo Apostolski Military Academy, adding that Macedonia is the second country after Turkey where Bosnia and Herzegovina has sent cadets.

"In addition to the topic of cadets, we discussed Euro-Atlantic integration. Macedonia and Bosnia have a similar composition as multiethnic states. Currently, we are going through the phases that you went through for NATO accession, we are implementing the reform program, and our incomplete aspiration is also accession to the EU, where we have the same or similar path to membership," Helez pointed out.

He said the two also discussed development of cooperation in the industry where Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to him, is among the most developed in the Western Balkans.

"We are in an expansion when it comes to the production of ammunition and armaments. We will also discuss the use of North Macedonia's range, and we hope it will meet the needs of Bosnia and Herzegovina's industry," said Helez. 

As part of the visit, the two delegations will also attend an event on the start of the new academic year at Mihailo Apostolski Military Academy, where this year there are more cadets from Bosnia and Herzegovina, which further proves the sincere intention to build partnerships and trust.

Photo: MIA