On the occasion of the applications submitted by Finland and Sweden for NATO membership, President Stevo Pendarovski made the following statement:
“Today’s simultaneous handing over of the official letters of application for admission to the most powerful military Alliance is seen as writing of another page of the historic changes in the alliance. I sincerely welcome and support the candidacy of these important countries for the prosperity and security of Europe. Unfortunately, the fact that countries with traditional military neutrality overwhelmingly decide to change it, speaks to the danger of new wars knocking on Europe’s door again. In order for the universally desired lasting peace to become a reality, the enlargement of the Alliance is good news.
I welcome this decision and support the swift accession of the countries that will undoubtedly contribute to collective security. It is a decision of sovereign countries that have the right to their own decisions, especially when it comes to the well-being of their citizens. North Macedonia, as the newest member of the most powerful military-political alliance, has the honor to pursue the open door policy with our partners, Finland and Sweden, especially given the political, security and geographical context.
With the full membership of Sweden and Finland, NATO will be strengthened especially in its eastern wing, where the biggest challenges come from, which is the case with the Russian military aggression over Ukraine.
Moreover, the excellent bilateral relations with these two friendly countries will gain even more intensity through the future alliance, which strengthens the partnership in areas of common interest, including their principled support for another alliance within Europe.”
