Skopje, 28 July 2025 (MIA) - We don't defend the country with words but with allies, equipment and knowledge, and common values are not declared but protected, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, said in a video address posted on social networks, highlighting the importance and benefits of the security partnership with the European Union, as well as the importance of the country being the first in the region to sign such a partnership with the EU. 

He pointed out that through this partnership, the country gets EUR 15 million in support for the Army, modern equipment, training, communication systems and resilience to new threats, noting that this is just the beginning.

"What are we aiming for? A stronger army. Real security and safety for citizens. European integration that is not just words, but reality. This is not symbolism – this is a strategy that we live," says Mucunski.

Last year, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, signed a Security and Defence Partnership between the Republic of North Macedonia and the European Union. The country is the first Western Balkan country to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union.