The President of the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Mr. Mr. Ante Kotromanovic, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Croatia.

At the meeting, both parties expressed their satisfaction with the development of relations and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Croatia so far, both at the bilateral and at the multilateral level – especially in the area of defense and regional cooperation.

President Ivanov welcomed the joint engagements in the integration processes so far, taken within the Adriatic Charter, adding that reforms and measures currently being implemented in the Republic of Macedonia in function of promoting standards in the area of defense are a confirmation of our strategic goal to become a NATO Member State.

In this context, The Macedonian President also welcomed the efforts for further promotion and strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the area of defense through the realization of specific projects and joint activities.

The Minister of Defense Mr. Kotromanovic underlined that the Republic of Croatia has been continuously and actively supporting the membership of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO, stating that our country meets all the standards and high criteria for membership.

Both interlocutors exchanged opinions and information regarding the situation in the region and discussed the need for better cooperation among the security services of the Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Croatia and the other countries in the region when it comes to countering the threat that is violent extremism and radicalism.