Thursday, 18 January 2018
Meeting of the President Xhaferi and Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Talat Xhaferi had a meeting with Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, who is officially visiting the Republic of Macedonia.
Mr. Tomislav Tuntev, Coordinator of SDSM, Mr. Ejup Alimi, Coordinator of DUM, Ms. Frosina Tashevska – Remenski, Chair of the Committee on Defence and Security and Ms. Cvetanka Ivanova, Secretary General of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia attended the meeting.
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Talat Xhaferi expressed appreciation for the support of the Secretary General of NATO for the election of the new Government and the new parliamentary majority, as well as for the reform processes in the society and the accelerated integration of the state in NATO, The Republic of Macedonia has been successfully drafting the Membership Annual Plan for NATO for the past 18 years, in which he President Xhaferi was actively engages and contributed in the efforts for full – fledged Membership in NATO.
He expressed conviction that only through a constructive dialogue with the neighbours for the disputes and active engagement of the institutions and all political entities for fulfilling the 3 – 6 – 9 Plan the “unfinished homework” from Bucharest in 2008 will be finalized.
Also, the President Xhaferi informed Mr. Stoltenberg on the Agenda of the Assembly and the plan for improvement of the legislation in the area of security, providing quality and democratic parliamentary oversight.
Mr. Stoltenberg underlined the further support of NATO for fulfilment of the ambitious reform agenda of the new government, especially for the rule of law, strengthening the multiethnic society and the principles of the Ohrid Agreement, as well as maintaining and cherishing the good neighbourly relations. The ratification of the Agreement on Good Neighbourly Relations with Bulgaria is a positive step in this direction, which opens new and qualitative chapter in regional context. NATO closely follows the progress in the functioning of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, especially after the unpleasant events of 27 April 2017, since NATO believes that the Assembly is a good platform for joint work of the government and the opposition, through a real political dialogue, to constructively work for the benefit of all citizens.
NATO recognizes the real contribution of the Republic of Macedonia in the peacekeeping missions of NATO, where the Republic of Macedonia is evaluated as qualitative and respected partner.
Mr. Stoltenberg underlined that NATO continues to encourage the Republic of Macedonia to bravely continue surpassing the main obstacle which is the precondition for full – fledged Membership of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO.
The support at the Bucharest Summit, which was confirmed at the two consecutive summits, remains and is in direction of prompt membership of the Republic of Macedonia to NATO as its 30th Member.