The nature of the security challenges requires improved and overall cooperation between the countries and all concerned sides. Macedonia has proved itself as a serious partner in dealing with the security threats. We also share the evaluations of safety and continuously contribute to Euro-Atlantic stability. We also actively contribute within collective efforts in addressing challenges, threats and risks.

This was said by Defence Minister Zoran Jolevski who participates Friday in Vienna at the meeting of the countries of Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) together with Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, focused on management of the migrant crisis, the protection of European borders and humanitarian assistance to migrants.

Jolevski said that the Republic of Macedonia in an appropriate manner dealt with refugees and migrant crisis, his cabinet said in a press release.

The state institutions are acting in coordination and have established good coordination and cooperation with countries along the Balkan route, Jolevski said.

He said that Macedonia has taken all security measures to protect national and regional interests in line with EU policy.

We are confident that our efforts will be adequately valued and that Macedonia would get its rightful place in the Euro-Atlantic family, Jolevski said.

The undertaken steps by the Republic of Macedonia were welcomed by the countries of the Central European Defence Cooperation thus emphasizing the importance of Macedonia in dealing with the migration crisis.

Defence Ministers of Austria, Macedonian, Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro, Slovenia and Slovakia attended the meeting. Austria as current chair and coordinator with CEDC will inform the European Union and international partners on the progress and integration in further activities.

Moreover, Macedonian and Austrian Defence Ministers Zoran Jolevski and Hans Peter Doskocil signed plan on bilateral defence cooperation.