Skopje, 7 April 2023 (MIA) - Over the past three years of membership in the most powerful military-political alliance, North Macedonia has demonstrated its readiness to contribute to collective security and guarantee the stability of each NATO member and security of all citizens, said Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska on Friday.

Minister Petrovska told the inagural Defense Forum 2023 that North Macedonia is a credible NATO member, contributing equally in the 31-strong Alliance.

"We are an integral part of the Alliance and it depends on member-states how well NATO responds to its task - to serve as protector of the common civilizational values - freedom, justice and democracy. We have demonstrated our commitment to these values by our condemnation of the attack on the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine and its right to freedom, through swift response to their requirements for defense assistance while considering its impact on the Army's combat readiness. These developments have enhanced our commitment to the incorporation of the most sophisticated equipment, since a capable and equipped army represents a strong guarantee for the security of our country and its pledge to NATO," said Petrovska.

She added that the Ministry of Defense would continue to implement all measures and activities within the long-term plan for development of the defense capabilities but also the NATO Strategic Concept and the MKD NATO 2030 concept.

"A multiagency approach is needed if we want to have a functional defense sector. Only together we can be stronger in guaranteeing the security of every citizen. We are developing a system for disinformation management that, among other things, is based on cooperation with the civil sector. Disinformation and cyber-attacks target the core of the society, the democratic processes, the citizens' trust in institutions and democratically-elected governments, and the system's functionality. NATO will continue to change as the world changes, including the image of the Army and the Ministry of Defense, by strengthening the aspects of prevention and early warning in the security system as a whole," noted Petrovska.

United States Ambassador Angela Aggeler said all citizens of North Macedonia should be proud of the contribution the country has provided in the improvement of regional and global stability.

"Close to 200 Army troops deployed in the NATO, EU and UN missions in the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Africa and the Levant are a testimony of your commitment to our shared values," said Ambassador Aggeler and added the U.S. is proud its servicemen are deployed together with Macedonian counterparts in many operations.

She said the various forms of North Macedonia's contribution in Ukraine are examples for NATO allies in highlighting the principle that the attempt to change borders by force is unacceptable and one that must be challenged.

"Investments in defense modernization has improved your capability to respond to threats and will help you in achieving the NATO capability objectives. Your participation in different exercises, both bilaterally and within NATO, have improved the element of human interoperability, which is key for our Alliance," said Aggeler.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in an online address that North Macedonia has increased the Alliance's security but also helps spread security in the Western Balkans.

"Since joining, you have significantly increased defense spending. You have a clear plan to invest two percent of the GDP in defense by 2024 and you have proved yourself to be a steadfast ally. You have provided military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine following the Russian invasion of the country. You recently faced intentional and continued hybrid attacks, which is threat to us all. This is a situation that no ally can face alone. And you are not alone. NATO allies stand together in solidarity. All for one and one for all," said Stoltenberg.

Photo: Ministry of Defense