• Monday, 04 November 2024

Situation in Middle East and Ukraine to affect all of Europe, says Defense Minister 

Situation in Middle East and Ukraine to affect all of Europe, says Defense Minister 

Skopje, 9 October 2024 (MIA) - The situation in the Middle East and Ukraine is very concerning and will affect not only us, but all of Europe. That is why it is necessary to launch diplomatic dialogue and achieve peace, said Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski on Wednesday.  

In terms of the country, the Minister added, the most important thing is to have a stable security situation and possess all the necessary information.

“The situation regarding terrorist structures in the neighborhood and here is being monitored, the data is being processed and all available information are being shared with the NATO member states. There is no danger, but we must always exercise caution when it comes to these structures and that is why it is good to share all information with NATO,” Misajlovski said at a press conference held to mark the Government’s 100 days in office.

The Defense Minister said the country would follow everything NATO and the strategic partners do.

“I had a video call with our three officers in southern Lebanon. They are feeling good, but the situation is concerning and becoming more tense each passing day. Even though they feel safe, they are constantly in bunkers and just in the past days there were over 300 strikes that have damaged the infrastructure near the command centers where they are located. Fighting is also taking place nearby,” Misajlovski said.

He stressed that a new aid package for Ukraine will be on the agenda of the Government’s next session.

“At the meeting in Ramstein, which was postponed due to the US President’s inability to attend because of the hurricane, we were supposed to discuss aid for Ukraine. Our new aid package for Ukraine is already at a government session, but we must have an estimated value for everything that will be donated,” Misajlovski said.

The Defense Minister noted that the country was ranked fourth in terms of contributions to Ukraine by a NATO report published Tuesday.

“Ukraine is asking for everything, not only military but also humanitarian aid that each NATO member state can provide. We will help, but above all we must protect our country, and I will ensure that all the equipment that is necessary for our Army stays here,” Misajlovski stressed. 

Photo: Screenshot