Skopje, 24 November 2024 (MIA) – Even though Paris and Skopje collaborated before North Macedonia joined NATO, membership into the Alliance provides an additional framework for cooperation and solidarity in defense, French Ambassador Christophe Le Rigoleur says in an interview with MIA.

“North Macedonia, which now should meet the capacity goals stemming from its NATO membership commitment, can rely on its relations with France and its military expertise to modernize its own Army, particularly as part of the defense cooperation agreement, signed on October 14, 2022. The procurement of the Mistral system is a concrete example of the strong ties between our two countries,” says Le Rigoleur.

To be a NATO ally, he adds, is a framework that offers also an opportunity to strengthen the political dialogue. 

“North Macedonia’s NATO membership also allows political dialogue on security policies, regional stability or on managing international crises to strengthen. I’d like to congratulate Ms. Radmila Shekerinska on her appointment as NATO Deputy Secretary General, which illustrates North Macedonia’s credibility as a member of the Alliance,” says the Ambassador. 

Asked about his country’s position on whether the re-election of Donald Trump in the November U.S. presidential election will change American-European relations and Brussels’s priorities, Le Rigoleur points out French President Emmanuel Macron’s speech in the latest European Political Community summit and his message that Europeans should be independent in defending their values and interests. 

“It’s time we changed our approach and pose the question differently. We have to stop positioning ourselves as a smaller partner whose hopes or fears depend on the development of U.S. politics. The Republic’s President Emmanuel Macron reminded us of that on November 7 in Budapest during the European Political Community summit. We, Europeans, must be prepared to defend our interests and values without expecting other actors to do than instead of us. This is why France wants to develop a real European strategic autonomy. We won’t question our alliances; we will reinforce the European backbone within our alliances. Instead of commenting the potential effects from the U.S. election, let us focus our energy toward building power and the strategic unity of Europe as regards rising threats. North Macedonia has its own part in this collective adventure,” states Ambassador Le Rigoleur.

In the context of the Ukraine war and Trump’s re-election, whether peace negotiations are possible to end the conflict amid the current geopolitical context, the French diplomat says that by supporting Ukraine, we are working in the interest of peace on the European continent and beyond.

“We have to remind ourselves of the obvious. Ukraine is the victim of Russian aggression, motivated by an imperialistic project and destabilization of the European continent. Thus, we have to continue to help Ukraine and France is grateful for North Macedonia’s assistance. Our interest, regardless of the future American position, is not to allow Russia to win the war, because it would put into question the borders of sovereign countries by an imperialistic and expansionistic power. We’re working in the interest of peace in Europe and stability in the world by supporting Ukraine,” concludes Le Rigoleur. 

Photo: MIA