Skopje, 14 November 2022 (MIA) - As part of Monday's joint session of the governments of North Macedonia and Albania in Skopje, Minister of Defense Slavjanka Petrovska met with Albanian counterpart Niko Peleshi, discussing the intensification of defense cooperation, particularly given that a new memorandum on bilateral cooperation was signed at the joint session, which reflects the new reality and the fact that both countries cooperate as allies in NATO. "North Macedonia and Albania share the same vision for the Balkans, as a region that must remain safe, stable and at peace. The best response to the disturbed security on the continent with the Russian aggression against Ukraine is the deepening of mutual cooperation. The renewed bilateral memorandum enables exactly that, because the key to successful defense cooperation and full interoperability of the two allied armies is joint training, joint exercises, close contacts between soldiers and developing friendships," Minister Petrovska said. She noted that the members of the two armies continuously have excellent cooperation, a fact that can be seen through the large number of joint exercises and trainings, such as the "Swift Response" exercise this year and the planned joint participation in the exercise "Defender Europe 23" which is due to be implemented next year and which is designed to build readiness and interoperability within the Alliance and between NATO and partner countries, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release. "Regional security is a priority for both countries and I am glad that cooperation and joint contribution to regional security initiatives is deepening. Our defense and allied cooperation strengthen the security of the Western Balkans and sends another message - the place of Albania and North Macedonia in the EU is deserved, and swift integration is essential for common stability, security and prosperity," the minister stressed. Minister Peleshi, the press release reads, expressed satisfaction that both countries are strongly committed to mutual cooperation and that everything that is planned is being implemented at an excellent pace. The bilateral cooperation plan for 2022 includes seven activities, four of which are in North Macedonia and three in Albania. The focus in it is placed on cooperation in the field of intelligence, ABHO, military police and the development of the Light Infantry Battalion Group, as well as the use of the army training ground "Krivolak" and the participation in training at the Regional Center for Public Relations. The two countries participate in numerous regional initiatives, such as the US-Adriatic Charter, the SEDM initiative, the Southeast Europe Brigade, the Forum of the Chiefs of General Staff, the Center for Security Cooperation - RACVIAC and the Balkan Medical Task Force, the press release adds. dk/nn/