Press Release (2001)167 6 Dec. 2001

Joint Press Statement By the NATO Secretary General and the EU Presidency The Foreign Ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and of the European Union met in Brussels today to discuss issues of common concern related to European security. The Ministers affirmed that following the horrifying attacks on 11 September cooperation between NATO and the European Union was vital to the fight against terrorism. This demanded the best resources of both organisations. NATO and the European Union bring different comparative strengths to this effort and they pledged to take full advantage of them, in close consultation. All Ministers of NATO and the EU rededicated themselves to continuing efforts to combat terrorism, collectively and nationally. Ministers reviewed the situation in the Western Balkans and expressed encouragement on recent developments, notably the conduct and outcome of the November 17 General Elections in Kosovo and the approval by the Parliament in Skopje of the constitutional amendments in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1). Ministers underscored the exemplary and successful cooperation among the two organisations in managing the crisis in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) and their continued engagement in strengthening the peace process. NATO's continued assistance to the EUMM monitors was one visible example of how the two organisations can play mutually supportive roles to fulfil the common goal to achieve peace and stability in the region. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.