Stoltenberg Order for Macedonia

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a letter to the newspaper Koha in Macedonia has written opinions on the country's challenges to the future, following receiving an invitation to start talks.

Once again, you have shown courage to build your way to peace, security and independence, no matter how difficult or challenging it may be. In 2001, you and your political leaders testified that there has been an alternative to the template of the Balkans of war and destruction. With the support of NATO and the international community, including through implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, you chose national unity towards national destruction. ”

Since then, you have been working over and over again to resolve disputes and build bridges with neighbours, including the historic Friendship Treaty with Bulgaria. The historic agreement with Greece on the name issue has already opened the possibility of progress towards transatlantic integration, including full NATO membership.”

NATO membership will give your country an equal voice in our discussions, an equal vote in our decisions and the security that comes from being part of the most successful military alliance in the world. That means there are twenty-eight other countries committed to protecting you and your national sovereignty against any aggressor” wrote Stoltenberg on the <x2 script. > A big step towards a brighter future”.