Minister of Defense Fatmir Besimi paid a working visit on Monday to Italy, where he met with his Italian counterpart Giampaolo Di Paola and with Chief of the Defense Staff, General Biagio Abrate.

Italy's open support for Macedonia to join NATO was confirmed at the meeting, where interlocutors also discussed the reforms implemented in line with NATO standards and countries' experiences acquired by partaking in NATO-led missions.

"Country's membership into Euro-Atlantic structures is essential not only for the stability of Macedonia, but also for the entire region," Minister Besimi stated, adding that the Italian Minister backed Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration process.

Besimi and General Abrate discussed reforms and the importance of Euro-Atlantic integration and the new structure of the Macedonian Army.

"DM Besimi's latest visits to Rome and Copenhagen demonstrate Macedonia's excellent military cooperation with Italy and Denmark - two influential countries in NATO".