Skopje, 1 November 2023 (MIA) - The country is safe, we are investing in new equipment and we are closely monitoring regional developments, says Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska.

"Today's Security Council session reaffirmed what I and my colleagues have been saying for a while - Republic of North Macedonia is a safe country and we have thus far not identified any direct threat to our security. The Council also confirmed the excellent coordination among security and intelligence services, which share information they obtain from various sources in an accurate and timely fashion," Minister Petrovska told national broadcaster MTV.

She adds that regional developments are monitored, primarily in Kosovo, where the Macedonian KFOR contingent will be increased in the coming weeks.

"The Army has thus far deployed two units within KFOR. A couple of weeks ago, we approved an additional unit that will soon be deployed. We are closely monitoring the situation because we are a neighboring country and for the purpose of guaranteeing regional peace and security," says Petrovska.

On the support for Ukraine, she says a new request for a donation of military equipment has come, and it is currently analyzed by the General Staff.

"If it is established that granting the equipment will not affect the Army's combat readiness, we will forward a motion for donation to the Government," adds Petrovska.

Regarding the purchase of drones for the Army, the minister says they will be used for both military and civilian purposes.

"Besides using them for military purposes, the drones will also serve to protect critical infrastructure, secure defense facilities, prevent wildfires and monitor migrant routes," says Petrovska.

Photo: Ministry of Defense