Petrovska - Tîlvăr: North Macedonia contributor to regional security and stability, will also be reliable friend in EU

Skopje, 25 April 2023 (MIA) - Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska welcomed on Tuesday with highest state and military honors a delegation of Romania led by Romanian Minister of National Defence Angel Tîlvăr, who is paying an official visit to North Macedonia.

Participants in Tuesday's meeting between the delegations of the two countries pointed out that such meetings where ideas are shared and future steps are discussed are very important, especially because of the security situation in Europe.

Minister Petrovska stressed that Romanian foreign policy is very responsible and committed to peace and cooperation, expressing gratitude for the continued support to North Macedonia on the path to the EU.

Petrovska briefed Tîlvăr on the modernization of the Army and reforms in defense, noting that as before, North Macedonia will continue to contribute by actively participating in promoting peace and security as NATO ally, particularly in strengthening the Alliance's eastern border.

"NATO's Enhanced Vigilance Activities mission in Romania and Bulgaria - these are not just political decisions, to us it's very important to really demonstrate we're part of NATO," said Petrovska.

Romanian Minister Tîlvăr extended gratitude for North Macedonia's contribution to NATO's eVA mission.

"Your support in eVA is not just a political decision, it shows your commitment to defending the free world. NATO made the right decision with North Macedonia's membership in the Alliance, because you have proven yourself as good friends," said the Romanian Minister.

He added that precisely in these times of crisis, the European Union should not put the integration of the Western Balkans aside, stressing the importance of the Black Sea region for peace in the Western Balkans and in Europe.

"You have proven in NATO that you are a reliable friend, you are a contributor to the security and stability of the Western Balkans, you will be a reliable friend of the European Union as well," Minister Tîlvăr said, as cited in a press release from the Ministry of Defense.

The two defense ministers concurred that the signed Plan for bilateral defense cooperation, which contains 17 joint activities, is an indicator of excellent cooperation.