Today’s complex security circumstances demand vigilance, preparedness, stronger early‑warning mechanisms, and more robust, sustainable investments in defense capabilities. North Macedonia is a loyal NATO ally and contributes to the security of the entire region, stressed Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at a joint press conference Tuesday during Rutte’s official visit to the country.
Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized that the greatest guarantee for peace and security in the Western Balkans is its immediate and full integration into the EU, and therefore, as she said, she expects that at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, special attention will be devoted to the security situation in the Western Balkans in view of the current challenges.
“We must put an end to artificial and identity-based reasons for EU membership and focus on the Copenhagen criteria. The biggest investment and guarantee not only for our security but also for the security of Europe as a whole is our membership and the membership of the Western Balkans in the EU,” the Macedonian head of state pointed out.
Mark Rutte underlines that Macedonia is a loyal NATO ally and contributes to the security of the eastern side of the alliance.
“Macedonia provides more than 2 percent of its GDP for defense, this is huge progress and the country is making its own efforts to reach 5 percent as promised. We must increase contributions to defense and fully equip NATO activities, I want to welcome Macedonia’s support for Ukraine,” Rutte said.
The NATO Secretary General emphasized that “we must cooperate to support our common security and Macedonia plays a significant role in protecting the security of the Western Balkans.”
“Our commitment to regional stability is clear, we will not allow a security vacuum to emerge. NATO is committed to protecting all its allies, no matter where the challenges come from. I know that we can count on Macedonia to play its part,” Rutte noted at the joint press conference with Siljanovska-Davkova.
