Republic of Macedonia is fully ready, all reforms in line with NATO standards have been completed, including the peacekeeping missions, and we are prepared for full-fledged Alliance membership, Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi told journalists Wednesday over expectations from the 2012 NATO summit in Chicago.

He stressed that although the main topic at the summit would be the introduction of the new "smart defense" concept, NATO membership remained Macedonia's strategic priority.

Pertaining to individual promises by NATO member-states for support, Minister Besimi reiterated that maximum efforts would be invested in all aspects, so that Macedonia became member in a dignified way.

"We are doing everything in our power in this regard, and we will continue to do so", added Besimi.