Macedonia and the United States are two friendly countries fostering an exceptionally developed cooperation in the sphere of defence. This cooperation is undoubtedly beneficial for the development of the two countries and the strengthening of peace, freedom and security in the region andbeyond, it was concluded Tuesday at a meeting between Defence Minister Zoran Jolevski and the US Ambassador to Macedonia, Jess Baily.

Thanking for the support extended in terms of NATO membership, Minister Jolevski said Macedonia was prepared de jure to become a full-fledged NATO member taking into consideration the extent of reforms and interoperability as well as the fact that Macedonian servicemen for over a decade had been participating in peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan, namely the ISAF mission and the new Resolute Support operation, MoD said in a press release. In this regard, he added, for NATO membership there is a political consensus and overwhelming support from the citizens of Macedonia.

The government of Macedonia, Minister Jolevski said, is determined to keep on pursuing reforms, because the citizens of Macedonia can feel the benefits, while at the same time they positively influence the NATO and EU integration processes, which are our strategic objectives.

Moreover, Jolevski referred to defence reforms, ways to improve the standards of army members, develop the Military Academy and the commitment towards developing the capacities and skills of every Macedonian Army member.

Praising the level of defence cooperation between the countries, Ambassador Baily said the United States highly appreciated the years-long contribution and support from Macedonia of the NATO-led activities and efforts to establish peace and security in Afghanistan.

“Macedonian peacekeepers enjoy a reputation of being real professionals with developed skills and capabilities, which is well-known in Washington and amongst NATO member-states. Their efforts are highly appreciated in NATO,” said Baily according to the press release.

In the meeting, the first one since Baily was appointed to serve in Macedonia, Minister Jolevski wished him success and exceptional achievements as the new US Ambassador to Macedonia.