Stoltenberg encourages Macedonia to continue efforts towards NATO accession
NAN-F-42
NATO
Skopje, (Macedonia) Jan. 18, 2018 (Xinhua/NAN) NATO member countries are inspired by the commitment and enthusiasm of Macedonia to join the Alliance, and it wishes the country success in this drive, NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg said.
Stoltenberg said at a news conference on Thursday after a meeting with Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev that NATO’s door remains open to new members.
However, he said that the solving of name issue with Greece was still a barrier that Macedonia had to overcome.
“I welcome the will of Macedonian government to find a solution to this issue.
“The Wednesday meeting of Macedonia, Greece mediators in New York, supported by UN, is an important step for further progress towards NATO.
“Macedonia also needed to make progress in reforms that the current government has already launched,” Stoltenberg said.
Earlier, the NATO chief also had a meeting with the President of the Republic of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov.
The president told Stoltenberg that Macedonia had continuously proved itself as a reliable strategic partner and ally to NATO, so it was necessary to receive the long-deserved membership in the Alliance.
“Macedonia’s membership in NATO will contribute to stability, security and prosperity in the entire region in a long run,” Ivanov said at the meeting.
The meeting also focused on Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, defence and security reforms in accordance to NATO standards, Ivanov’s office informed. (Xinhua/NAN)
OYE/AFA
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Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Felix Ajide