Shtip, 5 March 2026 (MIA) - The security situation in the country is stable, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in Shtip on Thursday.

"There is no risk to the country's security at this time. The President chaired a Security Council session, and based on the information we got from the services and the ministries of defense and interior, I can say that the security situation is stable. We might face certain economic challenges, primarily related to oil and gas prices. We will have some pressure from the oil industry and prices will have to increase. There are discussions with the Ministry of Finance on the excise and tax rates, in order to soften the blow on the citizens' standard," PM Mickoski told reporters.

The PM said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is coordinating the evacuation of Macedonian citizens from the Middle East countries affected by the military conflict.

"We are already in the final stages and evacuations will begin today, towards the safe return of our citizens," noted Mickoski.

He added that Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have already provided transport that will be covered by the state.

"All those staying in Israel and other regional countries affected by the conflict should follow the information provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade," said Mickoski.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said the remaining Macedonian nationals in Israel will be evacuated with the government aircraft on Thursday afternoon.

Photo: Government