Skopje, 25 November 2023 (MIA) - Besides being part of the collective security system, the Republic of North Macedonia is also present in the region through its participation in missions in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, says Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska in an interview with Voice of America.

Minister Petrovska says the Government decided last month to increase the country's troops in the KFOR Mission in Kosovo.

"In this way, we are prepared to take part in the operations of both missions, contributing to regional peace and security," says Petrovska.

According to her, these actions reaffirm the country's new role of contributor instead of beneficiary of regional security.

"Our participation in these missions confirms the leap we have made from a country that was seen as one requiring assistance and support, to a country that provides assistance and support to others in need," says Petrovska.

She adds that the training of Ukrainian troops in North Macedonia has been successfully completed.

"This training was dimensioned in line with the requirements by the Ukrainian armed forces. I am pleased that the training went well, with over 100 Ukrainian troops instructed by our Army. The door is open, if necessary, for more training in 2024. This is a positive example of our support for Ukraine, both political and in any other way," says Minister Petrovska.

Photo: VOA