Skopje, 28 March 2025 (MIA) - Our investment in the Alliance is an investment in our Army, in the bulwark of our Republic's territorial integrity and independence, President and Commander-in-Chief Gordana Siljanovska Davkova told a ceremony held on occasion of the fifth anniversary of North Macedonia's NATO accession in the Skopje-based "Ilinden" barracks on Friday.

President Siljanovska Davkova said the country must invest in the defense and security sector and would continue to contribute to peace through participation in peacekeeping missions led by NATO and UN, as well as align with Alliance standards and EU's common foreign and security policy.

Despite certain misunderstandings, the President said, transatlantic cooperation based on international rules and principles will continue to serve as a guarantee of European and Euro-Atlantic security and stability.

Siljanovska Davkova said the fifth NATO membership anniversary is observed amid the Kochani tragedy, "which once again reminded us that the security of citizens is one of the country's main tasks," while adding that the fight for the injured would not be possible if not for the impressive humanity and solidarity of states, nations and citizens from the region and beyond, as well the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and NATO's support.

The President recalled that in the first years of the country's independence, a pan-party consensus was built on the need for NATO integration as a prerequisite for peace, stability and prosperity of coming generations, a top strategic goal alongside the EU membership.

"Among us stand the veterans of the Macedonian defense sector, who have dedicated their careers to the achievement of this goal. Nevertheless, it is a fact that enormous efforts, big sacrifice and painful compromises were made for this purpose, like no other candidate-state had before," said Siljanovska Davkova.

She added that the hardest part of the NATO path was taken by the Army itself, its reforms, military exercises and peacekeeping missions, which have led to them acquiring priceless experience but also well-earned respect from allies.

"The numerous recognitions for the expertise, competence and sacrifice of the Army members from our strategic partners and NATO senior officials are a testimony of this. That is why, as Commander-in-Chief, I am proud of our Army serving as an important NATO ally," said Siljanovska Davkova.

The President noted that security threats impose the need for more investments in defense, including in advanced technologies and weapons.

"Artificial intelligence brings an added unpredictability element, and the order set up after World War II is going through a big transformation. Instead of multilateralism, we are facing the threat of multipolarization. The war in Ukraine has caused enormous human suffering and material damage, endangering the vision of a Europe united in peace. Conflicts in the Middle East are generating more human suffering and migration waves. This requires a swift and appropriate response. Security threats impose the need for more investments in defense, including in advanced technologies and weapons. We need to invest in Macedonian defense and security," said Siljanovska Davkova.

Therefore, she said, we will continue to contribute to peace through participation in NATO and UN-led missions.

"We will align with NATO standards and the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy. Our investment in the Alliance is an investment in our Army, in the bulwark of our Republic's territorial integrity and independence," said Siljanovska Davkova.

According to her, the anniversary serves as a reminder not only of the path leading to NATO membership but also the Alliance's fundamental idea - securing peace and security of its member-states and their citizens.

"I believe that despite certain misunderstandings, transatlantic cooperation based on international rules and principles will continue to serve as a guarantee of European and Euro-Atlantic security and stability. We will continue to act along that line," underlined President Siljanovska Davkova.

Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski, Army Chief of Staff, Major-General Sashko Lafchiski, and Commander of Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Admiral Stuart Munsch also addressed the ceremony, in the attendance of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi, diplomatic corps and other guests.

Photo: MIA