Skopje, 27 March 2024 (MIA) – Accession into NATO and the EU is the best response to Russia’s imperialist ambitions. Ukraine is only the first stop and the Western Balkans could very well be one of the next stops, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said at a NATO-related event, which kicked off the NATO Days event in the country, organized to mark four years since North Macedonia’s accession to NATO and the Alliance’s 75th anniversary. 

North Macedonia’s NATO integration, he stated, had taken place at pretty much the right time before the start of Russia’s aggression of Ukraine. Thus, the country is perceived as not only a factor of stability in the region, it is also a motivation for the countries in the neighboring region that are willing and ready to stand behind the joint Euro-Atlantic values and goals, Osmani added noting that now is the time to accelerate the EU-related and Euro-Atlantic integration processes. 

Now more than ever, the Minister vowed, the Euro-Atlantic and European integration of the Western Balkans is vital to strengthen the security and stability. 

“The Euro-Atlantic integration is the best democratic tool to prevent conflicts and malicious interference of third parties,” Osmani said. 

FM Osmani welcomed the enlargement of the transatlantic family by admitting two new members, Finland and Sweden, stressing that this move is quite important since it will make the Alliance stronger and it will enhance the Euro-Atlantic security.

The annual event also saw addresses by Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj and diplomats accredited in the country, who congratulated the country on the forth anniversary of the NATO membership and its contribution to collective security. 

Photo: Foreign Ministry