Skopje, 24 June 2022 (MIA) – The United States is the country’s long-standing strategic partner with whom we are building a policy of mutual trust, said Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska in her address to the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security, where she briefed on several key points from her visit to Washington. The Minister noted that the session that took place there “was dedicated to defense and security with two sub-themes, including the development of capabilities and exercises for the capabilities of the Army, and cyber protection.” Petrovska said several conclusions were reached from the mutual talks with the United States, among which the progress of the Republic of North Macedonia in terms of reforms and processes for implementation of NATO capability goals. As strategic partners, both sides committed to joint cooperation in training, exercises, as well as investments. “The United States is verifying what has been achieved so far in terms of modernization of the Army. A decision was made for additional USD20 million through one of the support programs, as well as additional USD10 million. Those funds will be allocated for projects already underway, and they signify further strengthening of the capacities of our Army,” Petrovska said. She confirmed that the first JLTV vehicles for the Army are set to arrive in July. The Minister also mentioned the defense budget, which she said would be stable and the planned percentages of GDP would be reached next year. “More than 20 percent of the total defense budget will be allocated for equipping and maintaining continuity. It’s not enough to simply have the budget as a total amount, but we also need to allocate it properly,” Petrovska said. She pointed out that the Ministry of Defense has adopted long-term plans for developing the capabilities of the Army and capacity building, and those documents are accompanied by action plans. ”The Republic of North Macedonia, and particularly the Army and the Ministry of Defense must continuously monitor the processes or changes that take place in society and in the world. We are a NATO member country and that’s why we have to act as a worthy member of the Alliance,” said Petrovska. Regarding cyber security, Petrovska says that the country receives support from the United States through programs and projects that are already ongoing and long-term, adding that they will continue. In addition, USD 4.5 million is being provided to continue these projects. “Cooperation with the United States will continue and further intensify,” Petrovska concluded. dk/nn/