Skopje, 21 November 2023 (MIA) - The Republic of North Macedonia is a valued NATO ally that makes a difference in contributions to our Alliance. NATO can rely on North Macedonia, and North Macedonia can rely on NATO, the Alliance's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told a joint press conference with Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski on Tuesday.

"You contribute to the stability and the security of the Western Balkans through our KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, you are committed to spending 2 percent of GDP on defence next year, and North Macedonia has strongly denounced Russia's war against Ukraine. You have joined the European Union in imposing sanctions on Moscow and you provide military and financial support to Ukraine. The Alliance guarantees your security. You are covered by NATO's air policing, and this is NATO solidarity in action," Stoltenberg stressed. 

He pointed out that the security of the Western Balkans is vital to NATO, adding that there are causes for concern. 

"Tensions have risen in Bosnia and Herzegovina and I encouraged political leaders there to refrain from divisive and secessionist rhetoric, and instead concentrate their efforts on reconciliation and a peaceful future. In Kosovo, we have seen recent incidents of serious violence. Belgrade and Pristina must engage in the EU-facilitated dialogue, as this is the only way to reach solutions that respect the rights of all communities," Stoltenberg told Tuesday's press conference at the Government. 

PM Kovachevski underlined that North Macedonia, as a NATO member, continues to invest in the capacities to maintain and strengthen the status of a trusted ally of the Alliance. 

According to him, the region's stability is extremely and vitally important, more than ever before. 

"That is why European integration is our priority. In North Macedonia, as well as in the region. We must not have obstacles and brakes on that path, and we will do everything necessary to take it to the end, all the way to our EU membership in 2030," Kovachevski told the joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.