The Republic of Macedonia remains fully committed to its pledges for membership into Euro-Atlantic structures and continual contribution to international peacekeeping missions in a bid to establish contemporary values, peace, freedom and human rights all over the globe.

This was concluded at a meeting Wednesday between Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi and NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, who is paying a day-long visit to Macedonia, MoD said in a press release.

"We work hard to meet our goal, to be admitted in NATO. It is evident through the continuous reform process taking place in the Macedonian Army and the Ministry of Defense. Special attention is paid to the 'smart defense' concept by making efforts to boost our efficiency in the field of defense through intensive regional cooperation," Minister Besimi said at the meeting adding that accelerated integration process of regional countries into Euro-Atlantic organisations was crucial to close existing challenges while serving as a guarantee for peace and stability in the region.

Presenting MoD's capacities and future plans, Besimi also referred to issues involving the defense budget and long-term plans for 50-percent troop deployment in line with the Long-Term Development Plan. Considering Macedonia's integration into NATO, an emphasis was put on the consensus between political parties in the country and on the overwhelming public support for NATO membership.

The NATO Deputy Secretary General praised the fact that there was no change in country's defined strategic agenda, underscoring that integration of the region into Euro-Atlantic structures was the most adequate way to guarantee prosperity.

"The plan for 50-percent troop deployment is amazing. Furthermore, we fully appreciate the regional approach especially in terms of the Balkan Regional Approach to Air Defense (BRAAD)initiative," Ambassador Vershbow said.

Besides meeting with DM Besimi, Vershbow has met with PM Nikola Gruevski, Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki and DUI leader Ali Ahmeti.