Lord Robertson in the Balkans

NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, went to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ¹ and Albania on 17 and 18 February as part of his tour of Partner countries. He thanked both countries for their interest in NATO's Membership Action Plan and discussed ways they could reform their armed forces to become compatible with forces from NATO countries. Both the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ¹ and Albania are among the nine candidates aspiring for NATO membership.

During his visit, Lord Robertson met with the President, the Prime Minister and other high-level government and parliamentary officials from both countries. He stopped at the KFOR base of Durres in Albania and a medal parade was held in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ¹ for KFOR soldiers.

As part of his tour of Allied capitals, Lord Robertson also paid his first official visit to Greece on 23-24 February where he met with President Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Simitis and other high-level government and opposition officials.