site.btaUSA and North Macedonia Sign Roadmap for Defence Cooperation over Next 10 Years

A new roadmap has been signed at the Pentagon by the Minister of Defence of the Republic of North Macedonia, Slavyanka Petrovska, and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, the government press service in Skopje reports. The roadmap identifies priority areas of defence cooperation over the next ten years between the two countries.

"North Macedonia is now a NATO member and we, together with the United States, stand shoulder to shoulder in addressing common security challenges. Last year, the US gave us tremendous support, which was not only financial. We shared knowledge and experience, we practiced and trained together and we are proud to contribute to the security of NATO and the region," Petrovska said at the meeting.

Austin is quoted as saying that North Macedonia is a long-standing and excellent friend of the United States and shares with it interests and values. He also said that he is proud the two countries have a strong long-term partnership, adding that the roadmap for cooperation over the next 10 years shows that the two countries can face global challenges together, the press release said.

The meeting also discussed the European integration of the Western Balkan countries, concluding rapid steps that are needed, as well as a clear sign that the process is moving towards the main goal - the EU membership of the Republic of North Macedonia.

Petrovska said that North Macedonia's support for Ukraine is not only political, but also through donations of military equipment, and Austin expressed gratitude for Skopje's support for the Ukrainian people, to strengthen NATO's eastern wing through participation in the multinational forces in Latvia, Bulgaria and Romania, and to secure the region through participation in NATO's Kosovo Force mission."