Skopje, 19 October 2011 year

A high-ranking delegation of the Republic of Macedonia lead by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikola Poposki, and the Minister of Defence, Fatmir Besimi, took part today in the Republic of Macedonia – North Atlantic Council meeting at the Headquarters of NATO in Brussels.

In their addresses to the Ambassadors of the 28 NATO member states, Ministers Poposki and Besimi spoke of the results achieved in the political, economic and defence reforms in the Republic of Macedonia, reaffirming the strong commitment of the country to sharing the common values and responsibilities of NATO as an equal partner of the Alliance.

The member states of the Alliance gave a positive assessment on the implementation of the 12th cycle of the Membership Action Plan and the meeting of the objectives presented in the 2010-2011 Annual National Program for NATO Membership of the Republic of Macedonia. Furthermore, they particularly emphasized the active contribution of the Republic of Macedonia in preserving regional and global peace and security by participating in international missions and operations lead by NATO and other international organizations.

The Ambassadors of the NATO member states were also interested in the current status in the process of overcoming the name dispute with Greece, seeing as it is the only remaining obstacle to the full-fledged membership of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO. In that context, Minister Poposki pointed out that the Republic of Macedonia has been constantly demonstrating its readiness for finding a mutually acceptable solution, presenting his belief that such a solution could only be possible if both sides address the issue in a pragmatic manner and in accordance with international principles. In addition, Minister Poposki underlined that the Republic of Macedonia will continue being positively engaged in the process by constructively participating in the talks held under UN auspices, as well as in the direct dialogue that has already been established at the highest level.

Minister Besimi, on the other hand, emphasized that NATO membership remains a top strategic priority of the Republic of Macedonia, which is especially important to the peace, stability and the future development of the Republic of Macedonia and the entire region. Moreover, Minister Besimi underlined that the Republic of Macedonia will continue pursuing its defence reforms, as well as making a considerable contribution to regional and global security, a fact which has been deemed as being exceptionally positive by the Ambassadors of the NATO member states.

In addition, Ministers Poposki and Besimi had a brief meeting with the Deputy Secretary-General of NATO, Claudio Bisogniero while, at the invitation of the Ambassador of The Netherlands to NATO, they also had a working lunch with several Ambassadors of the NATO member states.

It is expected that, during the day, Minister Poposki will have meetings with several Members of the European Parliament, as well.