We are aware about the problems with out southern neighbor regarding the differences on the name issue, but at the same time, we are seriously committed to finding a jointly acceptable solution, said Macedonian Defense Minister Zoran Jolevski.
Jolevski is staying in Washington where he took part in the conference dubbed "The Future of NATO Enlargement and New Frontiers in European Security". He spoke at the third panel of the Washington meeting, titled "Future of Expansions: Are NATO's Doors Still Open?".
"For us, NATO membership is a two-way avenue. On one hand, we support NATO and our allies in the efforts to establish peace and stability in other places in the world, and on the other, our soldiers gain great experience. That was shown during the tackling of the migrant crisis," Jolevski said in an answer to a question.
According to the Macedonian Defense Ministry, Jolevski also congratulated Montenegro for its received NATO membership invitation, but also to the alliance member states for deciding on such move.
"This invitation is very important because it is saying that NATO's doors remain open," Jolevski said, adding that the more the alliance is present in South East Europe the more the region will be stable.
The defense minister pointed in his address that in the past 2 decades, Macedonia has become a true contributor to world peace and stability.
"Macedonia has shown that its soldiers are fighting side by side with the remaining troops of the alliance for values we all share and it is a partner that NATO can rely on. The reforms we are implementing in the defense sector are important for our NATO aspirations, but they are even more important for ourselves. Having a strong and mobile army is very important for Macedonia and the region. Society strengthens with our action plan on NATO membership, but also the institutions, and we show capacity that we share the same values," Jolevski noted at the panel discussion.