The Chairman of the NATO Military Committee visits North Macedonia in demonstration of continued support

  • 07 Jan. 2020 - 09 Jan. 2020
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  • Last updated: 12 Jan. 2020 17:47

On 7 to 9 January, the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach was in the Republic of North Macedonia to meet the President H.E. Mr. Stevo Pendarovski, Minister of Defence, Radmila Sekerinska and the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Vasko Gjurchinovski.

Meeting with Minister of Defence Radmila Shekerinska, Air Chief Marshal Peach commended North Macedonia for the progress in their military reforms and their continued contributions to the Alliance. “It is a pleasure to be here in Skopje and to be able to personally thank North Macedonia for your contribution to NATO missions and activities. Your troops play an important role in our Resolute Support mission helping us train and advise the Afghan forces. In 2019, you hosted exercise REGEX 19 which trains partners in NATO procedures, builds trust and mutual understanding in the region, and improves the way in which we work together”, emphasised the Chairman.

Later on, Air Chief Marshal Peach sat down with Major General Vasko Gjurchinovski to discuss the security situation in the Western Balkans. “NATO is invested in the security and stability of Western Balkans region. NATO continues to work closely with nations in the region to maintain and promote regional and international peace and security. We are grateful for the role North Macedonia is playing in the region”, underscored Sir Stuart.

Speaking to President H.E. Pendarovski, Sir Stuart highlighted that “NATO is an Alliance of values. It is a permanent coalition of democracies – with all the political, military and diplomatic advantages that this brings. So far 28 Nations have ratified the process. Your upcoming accession to the Alliance demonstrates the historic success of NATO’s Open Door Policy. So hopefully, the next time we meet it will be at NATO HQ to mark your accession with a flag-raising ceremony”, concluded Air Chief Marshal Peach.

Once all 29 NATO Nations have ratified North Macedonia’s accession protocol, the next step will consist in depositing the instruments of ratification at the United States State Department, the custodian of the Washington Treaty. North Macedonia will then become NATO’s 30th member nation.