The United States and North Macedonia have signed a cooperation roadmap in the field of defense.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and North Macedonian Minister of Defense Slavjanka Petrovska signed the document known as the roadmap on Monday at the Pentagon, which will deepen cooperation in defense and military affairs over the next ten years.
Secretary Austin referred to the small Balkan country as “a great friend of the United States” and stated that shared interests and values “drive us to pursue a free, prosperous, and peaceful Europe”.
“I’m proud to sign the roadmap between the US and North Macedonia. This roadmap lays the groundwork for collaboration and modernization, focusing on security cooperation to address today’s global threats,” Mr. Austin expressed.
The North Macedonian Minister of Defense emphasized that her country stands alongside the United States in facing common security challenges.
“Last year, the United States provided us with exceptional support, not only financially. We exchanged knowledge and experience, conducted joint exercises, and we are proud to contribute together to NATO’s security in the region,” Minister Petrovska said.
Secretary Austin and Minister Petrovska discussed the situation in Ukraine and Russian aggression, cooperation and North Macedonia’s role in NATO’s alliance, and other challenges. Regarding the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Secretary Austin expressed gratitude for North Macedonia’s work and support to the people of Ukraine “in these necessary times”.
According to a Pentagon statement, Secretary Austin announced that he will continue to discuss common priorities between the US and North Macedonia during a high-level meeting expected to take place in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July.
North Macedonia has sent a number of tanks produced during the Soviet period and other military equipment to Ukraine.
The North Macedonian army aims to modernize according to NATO standards with US support. By the end of 2028, 96 US military JLTVs (Joint Light Tactical Vehicles) are expected to arrive in Skopje.
