The Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, in a solemn session this Tuesday, marked the fourth anniversary of the country’s membership in NATO.
The session attended by the members of the Government was chaired by the President of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, Talat Xhaferi, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani, the Minister of Defense, Slavjanka Petrovska and the First Deputy Prime Minister Bojan Marichic spoke during the session.
In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized: “Tomorrow we mark the fourth anniversary of our full membership in NATO. For me personally, this anniversary is of particular importance, because I have the honor to lead as the Prime Minister of a state that no longer dreams of this strategic goal, but actively contributes and is a valued member of the most powerful defense alliance in the world.
Looking at the current crises in the world and all the hot spots, the correctness of all the difficult decisions that led us to today’s NATO membership is proven. We see and hear the horrors around the world, but without fear for us, because we know that NATO is the strongest guarantee of security. She is proof that every sacrifice made – was worth it!”
The session was also addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bujar Osmani, who emphasized: “Our membership in the Alliance represents an important contribution to building a stable and secure region, which is of particular importance in this period when we are facing the current security challenges caused by Russian military aggression in Ukraine.
As a member of NATO, North Macedonia is not only a stabilizing factor in the region, but also a push for the countries in our neighborhood, which have the will and are ready to stand behind common Euro-Atlantic values and goals”, said Osmani, emphasizing that from a consumer of security, North Macedonia is transformed into a country that produces security, contributing to the multinational operations led by NATO”.
The Minister of Defense, Slavjanka Petrovska, also spoke at the solemn session, who emphasized: “The first main benefit is that with North Macedonia’s membership in NATO, there will never again be a question of whether our sovereignty, integrity and security of citizens can be threatened.
For a country that has a little more than 3 decades of independence and is located in the Balkans, NATO membership means a great confirmation of its international position and a great success. So security comes first, then it is understood that security and stability guarantee investments and a better economic situation in the country. Therefore, NATO membership was a strategic goal of the country from the first moment of independence and we should be proud that we achieved it.
For 4 years, we are not a topic on the table as a Balkan country that needs help, but we are equal to all member countries and we decide together. North Macedonia, from a country that the international community helped to maintain peace, is now a country that actively contributes to regional security.
And there can be no question of a violation of our security by anyone because in that case we have an alliance of 32 countries behind us.
Congratulations on the 4th anniversary of NATO membership. We took a big commitment, a big responsibility and we achieved results. Congratulations on this great historical success of our generation”.
The floor was also taken by the first deputy prime minister, Bojan Maricic, who in his speech referred to: “Today, 4 years after we became a member of NATO, best denies in practice the skepticism, reservations and deadlock from 5 years ago. Today we have the opportunity to congratulate each other and celebrate and be proud of North Macedonia, a member of NATO.”
