Secretary General discusses NATO-Skopje relations with Prime Minister Gruevski

• 11 Mar. 2015

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia¹ to NATO headquarters on Wednesday (11 March 2015) for talks on relations between the Alliance and Skopje. “We share a vision of Euro-Atlantic integration, and we are committed to supporting you on your path towards NATO membership,” Mr. Stoltenberg said.

Calling Skopje “an important partner for the Alliance” and “a security provider”, the Secretary General thanked Prime Minister Gruevski for his country’s contribution to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, and for supporting NATO’s KFOR operation in Kosovo with lines of communication. Mr. Stoltenberg also commended the country’s progress in reforming its defence sector.
The Secretary General noted that the Alliance is following recent political developments in Skopje with concern. “Progress on reforms depends on effective democratic dialogue, widespread confidence in the rule of law and freedom of media,” he said, adding, “we count on you to ensure that they are fully respected.” Mr. Stoltenberg encouraged all political forces in Skopje to act responsibly, and to focus on the reforms necessary for progress on the country’s Euro-Atlantic agenda.