Skopje, 27 November 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Defence Vlado Misajlovski alongside regional counterparts participated on Thursday in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial Meeting (SEDM), whose main goal is to promote stability and security in the region through the development of military-political cooperation between member states, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release. 

During the first session of the ministerial, Misajlovski addressed several key security challenges at the global level, including the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the escalation of violence in the Middle East, stressing that the region, although geographically remote, is strongly affected in terms of security and the only sustainable solution is respect for the principles of international law, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of all disagreements.

"Sustainable peace requires a comprehensive approach, which includes much more than military measures, i.e. it includes diplomacy, responsibility and accountability, humanitarian support and long-term development," said Misajlovski.

He added that "it is our shared obligation that the next chapter in international relations is not shaped by conflict and extremism, but by dialogue, solidarity and respect for international norms that will enable a safe and just world for all."

As regards the future of the SEDM process, the Minister gave full support to the expert working group on a concept document to strengthen the relevance of the South-Eastern Europe Brigade - SEEBRIG.

"The Brigade is extremely important in strengthening regional security and stability, and I am convinced that it will continue to develop the goals of the SEDM process," he said. "As the host country of the Brigade's main headquarters," the Minister added, "our support for this process, which is an instrument for unity and cohesion between the countries of the region, has been clearly expressed." 

Ministers were briefed on the activities implemented since the last ministerial meeting in November 2024 in Tirana, whereby it was pointed out that one of the most significant SEDM projects is the SEEBRIG, whose command is located in Kumanovo until 2026.

The ministerial meeting is co-organized by Bosnia and Herzegovina's Minister of Defence, Zukan Helez, together with Greece's Deputy Defence Minister, Thanasis Davakis, and the Chair of the SEDM Secretariat, Ambassador Eleftherios Anghelopoulos.

The SEDM initiative, established in 1996, includes North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Türkiye, Ukraine and the United States, while Moldova is an observer country. The presidency of the initiative is on a rotating basis, and Greece is the current chair, after which our country takes over. 

Photo: Ministry of Defence