NATO Secretary General’s visit means that Macedonia has returned on Euro-Atlantic track – Defense Minister


The visit of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks for itself. It means that that the new government has managed for the last six months to bring the country back on the Euro-Atlantic track, Defense Minister Radmila Sekerinska told reporters on Monday.

‘We have managed to create a fresh opportunity for Macedonia. We view the visit as a possibility for Macedonia to present itself as a state that is capable to resolve own problems, work on its priorities and honestly believes that the EU, NATO membership will bring greater security, prosperity to the citizens,’ Sekerinska said.

The purpose of Stoltenberg’s visit is to get familiar with ‘our achievements and future plans.’

‘The NATO General Secretary’s visit is deserved, but it is not sufficient for membership. It however shows that we have the taken the right path. Stoltenberg will not work on resolving the name issue, but send a message that when one country wishes to join NATO and makes the right moves to that effect – guarantees the rule of law and fundamental values – the foundation of the membership status, then it gets the chance for NATO accession,’ Sekerinska said.

For the last six months, Macedonia has promoted a new political culture, demonstrating its capacity to turn the promises into reality, she added.