Skopje, 14 April 2023 (MIA) - The results of my work are visible and more vocal than the indecent and unsuccessful attempts by certain structures to minimize and annul the obvious development. Attacks addressed against me will not diminish my commitment to make the defense sector stronger and more developed, the Army to be more equipped and content, the country and its citizens to be safer. This is my goal, says Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska.

Minister Petrovska told web-portal racin.mk that attacks against her are a type of hybrid warfare that attempts to breed doubts in the values of the defense policies and security structures - the Ministry of Defense and the Army.

Petrovska says the support from allies and cooperation with them is a daily task, adding that solidarity is ever present in both directions - to North Macedonia as one of the most recent NATO members but vice versa as well.

"I have highlighted our excellent cooperation with the United States on a number of occasions, our ally and strategic partner that provided EUR 137 million in defense support in 2022 alone. These funds, which represent half of our 2023 defense budget, will be invested in equipping and modernizing the Army," says Petrovska.

She adds other allies have also provided support to the development of the country's capacities, including the United Kingdom, Turkey, Slovenia, Greece and others.

"Our country is not the only example of how allied support works. Following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey, North Macedonia was among the first to send first responders, 60 Army members took part in the searches day and night and found survivors under the rubble. That is why I say solidarity in NATO is not just a word, it is a deed," says Minister Petrovska in the interview.

Photo: racin.mk