Minister of Defense, Vlado Misajlovski, today delivered a speech at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council of the Alliance at NATO headquarters in Brussels, attended by the Defense Ministers of the Allied countries.
Misajlovski, as informed by the Ministry of Defense, focused on the goals, priorities and activities undertaken by the Government, the Ministry of Defense and the Army, in accordance with what was agreed at the last NATO Summit in The Hague, as well as on the unity of the Alliance, which today, as he said, is more than necessary for strengthening the concept of defense and response.
“Even in times of geopolitical change, if we continue to focus on what has driven us so energetically to aim for NATO membership for decades – the need for peace, security, stability, as a prerequisite for prosperity, as an Alliance we can face any challenge that comes our way,” said Minister Misajlovski.
He emphasized that our state continues to increase its defense budget, and thus remains maximally committed to improving the Army of North Macedonia.
For modernization, as he said, this year over 32,5 percent of the defense budget has been allocated, which is far from what was foreseen to be in accordance with NATO goals, namely the allocation of 20 percent of the defense budget for modernization.
“The agreements already signed with several allied countries are being successfully completed, but we also have subsequent agreements, which contribute to the modernization and equipping of the Army, to the strengthening of defense capacities, and with this to the strengthening of collective defense,” said the minister.
Misajlovski emphasized that in parallel, investments are also being made in human capacities, and “proof of this is the fact that the members of the Light Infantry Battalion Group are excellently prepared for the NATO assessment, which will be held in April of this year.”
The Minister added that we will continue to actively participate in missions and operations led by NATO and the EU, both within the eastern wing of the Alliance, as well as within KFOR and ALTEA, all with one goal – peace, stability, security and prosperity for countries and citizens.