Security and stability are key priorities for North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Without these prerequisites, it is not possible to talk about development in other areas, such as the economy, said Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski after meeting with his colleague from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez, who is on an official visit to our country.
During the conversation with Defense Minister Helez, Minister Misajlovski expressed his belief that North Macedonia, as a NATO member, supports the process of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s integration into the Alliance and that it is ready to share experiences and assist in order to strengthen the partnership between the two countries.
“I expressed my conviction to Minister Helez that as a NATO member state, Bosnia and Herzegovina has our support in strengthening relations with the Alliance. We are ready to share our experiences in the NATO integration process, which I believe that as friendly countries we should do, support and help each other in achieving our goals for a better tomorrow for our citizens,” Misajlovski emphasized at the joint press conference.
The Minister emphasized that Macedonia remains unreservedly committed to its contribution to the European Union’s ALTEA peacekeeping mission, which aims to maintain stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where 33 members from our country are currently participating.
Misajlovski also expressed his gratitude for the cooperation and transparency, emphasizing that enhanced cooperation will contribute to strengthening regional security and stability.
Minister Helez thanked for the assistance in the education of their cadets from the Military Academy “General Mihailo Apostolski” and emphasized that Macedonia is the second country after Turkey to which Bosnia and Herzegovina sends its cadets.
“In addition to the topic of cadets, we also discussed Euro-Atlantic integration. Macedonia and Bosnia have a similar composition as multi-ethnic states. We are currently going through the stages that you have gone through for NATO membership, we are implementing the reform program, while our unfinished goal is also EU membership, where we have the same or similar path towards that membership,” Helez emphasized.