Skopje, 4 October 2023 (MIA) - Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska met with Polish counterpart Mariusz Błaszczak in Warsaw on Wednesday, discussing North Macedonia's European integration, the security situation in Europe, as well as the development of defence cooperation between the two countries and NATO allies. 

Petrovska thanked Błaszczak for Poland's continued and vocal support to North Macedonia's EU accession, pointing out that European integration are a way to strengthen unity on the European continent and guarantee the security of the citizens, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release. 

"North Macedonia is a European democracy which has shown that it fully respects and supports international rules and principles, even amid the most difficult time following the Russian aggression against Ukraine. With North Macedonia as a full-fledged member, the European Union will be more secure and stronger," Petrovska said. 

Petrovska and Błaszczak expressed readiness and interest to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, particularly in the area of joint trainings and exercises. Minister Petrovska noted that the recently completed Anakonda 23 exercise in Poland, which also included the participation of Macedonia troops, is an example of ways to jointly develop interoperability within NATO.  

"As regards the security situation on the continent, Petrovska reaffirmed Macedonian support for Ukraine through humanitarian and military aid, given that Russia has violated the principles of the international order, and Ukraine has every right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity," reads the press release. 

Minister Błaszczak thanked Minister Petrovska for her participation at the Warsaw Security Forum, adding that Poland is open to strengthening and promoting defence cooperation with North Macedonia. 

Earlier on Wednesday, Minister Petrovska also met with Canada's Special Envoy to the EU and Europe, Stéphane Dion, discussing the European integration of Western Balkan countries. 

"North Macedonia is a European nation that shares European values and belongs to the European Union. North Macedonia's European path must continue. It is the responsibility of every political entity in the European Union and in North Macedonia and I expect leadership and courage in completing the obligations taken, which will allow us to move forward on the path to full-fledged membership in the Union," said Petrovska. 

Photo: Ministry of Defence