Brussels, 3 April 2024 (MIA) - The goal of North Macedonia is to increase our defence investment to 15% by 2025 and our resolve to support Ukraine remains steadfast and our unity and determination, our strength in advocating a substantial assistance for Ukraine confronting the challenges posed by the Russian aggression, FM Bujar Osmani said Wednesday in a doorstep statement ahead of the meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels.

“These challenges have broader implication with Ukraine being just a part of Russia’s imperial ambition threating Moldova, Georgia and Western Balkans and this necessitates a synchronized action between NATO and the EU emphasizing the urgency of accelerated European and Euro-Atlantic integration in order to safeguard our collective security,” Osmani said.

When asked how much North Macedonia will be willing to contribute to additional €100 billion fund to support Ukraine, Osmani said that the country has been unequivocal supporter of Ukraine, and it is one of the first fourth countries in NATO for providing military support to Ukraine per capita.

“We have aligned a hundred percent with EU common foreign and security policies in terms of introducing sanctions to Russia, and we will continue to do so. I cannot mention numbers today, but certainly our resolve is steadfast in supporting Ukraine financially, militarily and politically,” Osmani noted.

He underscored that this is a historic NATO ministerial not only because NATO celebrates its landmark 75th anniversary but because as we welcome Sweden we enhance our unity and defence capabilities for the first time as a 32 members Alliance. Our focus is set on the issues that will shape the deliverables of the upcoming Washington Summit in July, as well as the continuation of support for Ukraine, he added.

Photo: MIA