NATO and EU membership is Macedonia's highest priority, including the continual participation in international peacekeeping missions, said Defense Minister Talat Xhaferi at Thursday's meeting with United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, Evelyn Farkas, who is paying a visit to Macedonia.

Referring to future plans and priorities, as well as the Defense Ministry engagements, Xhaferi briefed Farkas on Macedonia's decision to continue its participation in the ISAF mission up to its completion in 2014, but also in the post-ISAF operations.

"We are also prepared to take part in other EU and UN-led missions. In this context we are holding talks over the Macedonian Army (ARM) possible engagement in the Senegal mission together with the Vermont National Guard", added Xhaferi.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Farkas said talks with Minister Xhaferi focused on defense cooperation, priorities, operations, future plans and challenges.

"We would gladly discuss further support provided to Macedonia, as well as the demonstrated interest for participation in EU-led missions, but also other operations. Our joint undertakings aim at strengthening Macedonia and its defense, so that the country is prepared when the day of NATO integration comes", she added.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Farkas is set to meet with President Gjorge Ivanov later in the day.