The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the Chairman of NATO's Military Committee, General Knud Bartels.

At the meeting, they exchanged views and information regarding Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration, participation of the Macedonian Army in peacekeeping missions led by NATO, as well as regarding the promotion and deepening of the future cooperation of the Republic of Macedonia with the North Atlantic Alliance.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the cooperation of the Republic of Macedonia and NATO and assessed that the relations are at an extremely high level, adding that our country remains firmly committed to promoting peace, security and stability in our region and beyond. The Macedonian President in this context stressed the ARM participation in peacekeeping missions of NATO and added that it will continue in the future.

"The Republic of Macedonia remains fully committed to the aspirations for NATO membership for which we have already met all objective criteria, and we de facto operate and contribute as a member of NATO. It is necessary as soon as possible the Republic of Macedonia to take its rightfully deserved place in the Alliance," President Ivanov said at the meeting.

General Bartels expressed gratitude for the contribution that the Macedonian Army provides within the international peacekeeping missions, as well as for their professionalism and cooperation in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan and KFOR. In this context, General Bartels expressed readiness for further and enhanced support and cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia, as well as broadening of the cooperation with new initiatives and projects.