Macedonia's NATO and EU integration remains the country's strategic priority. We will continue to work hard in national, regional and multinational terms towards achieving these objectives, said Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi at Thursday's U.S. - Adriatic Charter defense ministerial meeting "Common Challenges and Joint Solutions" in Skopje.

Referring to Macedonia's challenges and Euro-integration perspectives, Minister Besimi stressed the high percentage of population's support, but also the expectation for a clear demonstration of the open door policy at the coming NATO summit.

"In this spirit, Macedonian citizens expect an invitation from the Alliance sooner rather than later", said Besimi.

According to him, reforms in all areas, as well as participation in international peacekeeping missions ISAF, ALTHEA, KFOR and UNIFIL are strong arguments over the country's commitment to the Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

DM Besimi added Macedonia would continue to take part in international operations as long as it is required, as well as follow the Alliance transformation process.

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Celeste Wallander saluted today's meeting, saying the United States expected Serbia and Kosovo's participation in the Adriatic Charter activities.

She stressed A5 members should define the structure that would define improved coordination, but also better representation and use of time at disposal.

"The region's efforts towards full-fledged membership should be recognized as the NATO Summit in Chicago approaches", said Wallander.

Huseyin Dirioz, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning, said the financial crisis required special attention, since defense budgets are not immune to it, whereas reduction would have consequences on security.

"Funds at disposal in the region for equipment modernization in 2011 amount to about 14 percent of defense budgets in certain states. Albania and Croatia spent 13.9 and 12.9 percent of the defense budget respectively, Montenegro 1.74 percent, B&H approximately one percent, and Macedonia about 8.2 percent. According to NATO standards, about 15 percent of defense budgets should be spent on personnel costs, 30 percent on operations, and about 20 percent for equipment modernization. In this regard, the 'smart defense' concept should provide a response to the capacity building in coping with security risks with less money", said Dirioz.

He added that personnel costs needed to reduce in order to secure more funds in the region.

Albanian Defense Minister Arben Imami said Macedonia's NATO accession would benefit not only the country, but the entire region.

"The Euro-Atlantic integration of our countries is especially significant for the sustainable peace, as well as economic and democratic development of the region", said Imami.

Croatia's Defense Minister Ante Kotromanovic emphasized that although the coming NATO summit in Chicago is not one of enlargement, the clear encouraging message for aspirant countries would give a strong incentive to the region's reform processes.

Montenegro DM Milica Pejanovic-Djurisic assessed the country has provided contribution in achieving regional cooperation and settlement of open issues.

Bosnia&Herzegovina Deputy-Defense Minister Mirko Okolic said the region was characterized by countries with diversities and similarities, which need to be utilized for common progress.

Greek Ambassador to Macedonia Alexandra Papadopoulou welcomed the work of the U.S. - Adriatic Charter towards facilitated accession of the entire SEE region in NATO.

"Greece is responsible with regards to its neighbors and we are truly committed to the achievement of security and stability in the region. We have always provided our contribution to collective security and safety of the area", said Papadopoulou, adding Greece supported the region's NATO integration as long as required conditions are met.

Agim Ceku, Minister of the Kosovo Security Force, expressed hope that the Adriatic Charter would soon include Kosovo and Serbia.

"We believe dialogue will bring us closer, leading to normalization of relations, cooperation and reconciliation", stressed Ceku.