Skopje, 17 February 2025 (MIA) — Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski on an official visit to Slovenia met Monday with Slovenian President Natasha Pirc Musar and talked about the country's EU integration process, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release.

President Pirc Musar confirmed her clear and unequivocal support for the country's EU membership. Minister Misajlovski thanked her for the continuous Slovenian support and cooperation.

Pirc Musar and Misajlovski agreed that defense was an intrinsic part of the European integration process and that only after fully integrating into the EU could the Western Balkans be prosperous and stable, the release said.

Earlier in the day, Misajlovski, together with Novo Selo Mayor Gjorgje Bozhinov presented certificates of appreciation and plaques to members of the Slovenian police, army and the Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Administration for their sacrifice and professionalism.

"I'm truly glad to see heroes in front of me and from my homeland's heart, on behalf of the government and the Macedonian citizens, I give you my heartfelt thanks," Misajlovski said.

During the visit, the defense minister also laid a wreath of flowers at the Pomnik '91 memorial to the fallen in the war for Slovenia in 1991 and visited some of Slovenia's defense facilities, the release noted. mr/