Skopje, 27 March 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski said Thursday that since the independence, the country has committed to Euro-Atlantic and European integration, which is not only a strategic goal, but also a source of internal cohesion and compelling drive. He noted that on the path to NATO, the country faced many challenges, but that was not an obstacle to fulfilling the goals which were widely supported by the citizens and the political establishment. 

"Our NATO membership has brought optimism and has positive implications for the region. In cooperation with our neighbours, we have jointly contributed to creating a new political dynamic based on good-neighbourly interaction, which aims to transform the region into a synonym for stability, development and economic prosperity. This is something we are proud of and strive to continue. Today, we have the opportunity as a NATO member to contribute to building political and security stability, not only for us, but also for the region and Europe, where we naturally belong. Together with you, the allies, we are jointly building our future, and together we are tackling the security challenges facing the European continent, which also have global implications," said Mucunski. 

He pointed out that the country's foreign policy is based on three constants - full-fledged NATO membership, as a credible ally in the Alliance, full alignment with the European Union's common foreign and security policy, and the strategic partnership with the United States, which, he noted, fully correspond to the national interest and all decisions made by the country fit into that framework and are aligned with national interests.

He mentioned growing threats and challenges, noting that readiness for collective response and defence is needed, as well as enhanced cooperation and coordination, among the members of the alliance together with strategic partners.

"The new reality requires each of us to take on their share of the burden and contribute to strengthening collective deterrence and defence through increased investment in defence capacities. Recognizing the need to strengthen NATO's eastern flank, our army forces are part of the NATO commands in Bulgaria, Romania and Latvia. Regionally, we have a strengthened presence with our forces within the KFOR mission in Kosovo and the EU Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina," the Foreign Minister said.

At the same time, he added, we have recognized the need and urgency of investing in our own security by increasing defence spending, strengthening capacities, and developing the forces and capabilities needed for collective defence and collective action in the context of growing strategic competition.

"Two-thirds of allies now spend at least 2% of GDP on defence, being prepared to exceed the target. We remain committed to continuing defence spending of 2% of GDP, of which 32.35% will be allocated to equipment and modernization. Allow me to extend special gratitude to those allies who helped my country in this process," Mucunski said. 

He also stressed the importance of the country's close cooperation with the European Union, and the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership last November, which, he noted, allows the country to have enhanced dialogue and cooperation on security and defence issues, including jointly tackling security challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.

"We are particularly proud of this partnership because we are the first in the region to have such an opportunity for close cooperation," he added. 

Mucunski mentioned the conflict in Ukraine, its implications, and the full support that the country provides in establishing a just and sustainable peace.

"Last month marked the third anniversary of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, which unfortunately left hundreds of thousands of people dead and forced millions to flee their devastated homes. You will agree that the implications are not only regional, but also global, directly affecting political, economic and security relations. Today, more than ever, it is important to demonstrate our transatlantic unity among us allies, together with our partners. Our country fully supports the efforts and concrete diplomatic activities to establish a just and sustainable peace," Mucunski said. 

According to him, amid the new reality, Europe must assume greater responsibility, including for this region, and the region itself must do its part for stability and prosperity.

He said, today more than ever, a clear and sustainable strategy is needed for viable European and Euro-Atlantic perspectives that will be translated into integration.

"The integration process has proven to be the best tool for promoting security, achieving sustainable stability and closing the vacuum for destabilizing influences. For our part, we are fully committed to working together with NATO allies and EU partners to strengthen the resilience of our societies. We are aware of the gravity of the challenges themselves, but we are also determined to fulfil our strategic goals. Our goal will be to fully contribute to joint efforts to defend the benefits and values ​​​​to which we are bound by NATO membership itself. Our duty is to ensure a better and more prosperous future for generations to come," said Minister Mucunski. 

Deputy Defence Minister Elefet Ismaili also addressed Thursday's working meeting on the fifth anniversary of North Macedonia's NATO membership. This achievement, she noted among other, was the result of ongoing efforts for reforms in the area of defence, security, as well as democracy, and it is not only a guarantee for the country's security, but also an opportunity to contribute to regional and international peace and stability.

Photo: MIA