Brussels, 13 February 2024 (MIA) - Discussions during Tuesday’s meeting between caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi and NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at the NATO headquarters in Brussels were focused on regional security, global stability, and the latest developments in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Prime Minister Xhaferi emphasized North Macedonia's commitment to maintaining stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic region, not only as an influential factor of stability in the Western Balkans but also through active participation in NATO missions in Kosovo, Iraq, EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in NATO battle groups in Latvia, Romania, and Bulgaria. 

In line with the commitment to defense investments and following NATO's decision at the Vilnius Summit, as of this year, the Republic of North Macedonia allocates a minimum of 2% of GDP to the defense budget, with 30% earmarked for the modernization of the Army. With this, North Macedonia is among the NATO members who have met the commitment, which is the basis for the effective implementation of NATO's most robust defense plan.

Additionally, North Macedonia continues to provide strong support for Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and peace for the Ukrainian people, and against the horrors provoked by Russian military aggression still ongoing on Ukrainian territory.

Discussions during the meeting also focused on the NATO’s 75th anniversary. In a year marked by the Alliance's greatest challenge since its establishment, NATO welcomed another member, Finland, and is soon to be joined by Sweden, further consolidating and fortifying the Alliance like never before.

With elections scheduled in numerous countries this year, involving over two billion citizens worldwide, including North Macedonia, the meeting also addressed the challenges ahead in the electoral period. The focus is placed on strengthening efforts to tackle hybrid threats, disinformation, and cybersecurity.

At the meeting, Xhaferi was joined by the First Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, Bojan Marichikj, and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani.

On Wednesday, Xhaferi is to hold meetings with key EU figures, including European Council President, Charles Michel, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen as well as members of the European Parliament from various political groups.

Photo: Government