In Brussels, Timco Mucunski is participating in the two-day meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs.
“I can again confirm our bilateral commitment, but also trust the whole of NATO towards the protection of the fundamental values of international public law and principled support for Ukraine,” North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister stated.
Also regarding Ukraine, Mucunski stated that though his country had a positive approach to NATO’s open-door policy regarding integration of new members, for now, it was too soon to discuss the issue of fast-track membership of Ukraine.
When it comes to the North Atlantic Council session, Mucunski said there had been a discussion on the serious challenges from a political and security standpoint related to the Middle East. Regarding the 2% issue, he said North Macedonia respected the threshold.
“We will work with Allies to adapt to the reality we have,” he stressed.
Prior to the start of the meeting, Mucunski had again congratulated Sekerinska on the official start of her term as Deputy Secretary-General. Also before the meeting, Secretary-General Rutte, regarding defence spending, had said Allies needed to do more.
“It will not be enough to stick at the 2% because longer term, that means that our deterrence is not strong enough, if it would stick to the 2%,” he said on Tuesday.