Development of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia and participation in peacekeeping missions in UN, NATO and EU as support to maintenance of global peace and security were topics discussed at the meeting held Tuesday at UN HQ in New York between Macedonian Defence Minister Zoran Jolevski and Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations peacekeeping operations, Hervé Ladsous.

Jolevski and Ladsous also discussed security situation in the region of Southeast Europe and globally.

The Republic of Macedonia is liable member of the international community and actively participates in the efforts of the world organisation in maintenance of the global peace, security and prosperity. We remain committed to our presence in peace mission UNIFIL in Lebanon and we are to review opportunities to participate in other UN-led missions in the future in accordance to the needs and our capacities as well, Jolevski underlined.

Jolevski said that Macedonia and its army working in accordance to highest standards taking into consideration the fact that NATO confirmed readiness of the country on becoming its full-fledged member. Our strategic goals in relation to foreign policy are membership in NATO and EU.

At the meeting with General David Petraeus, former Commander of the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, Jolevski emphasised that Macedonia continues to be part of the international peacekeeping missions.

The members of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia are part of the mission Resolute Support in Afghanistan thus showing commitment on maintenance of modern values in this country. The Republic of Macedonia remains prepared to full-fledged membership in NATO by our participation in peacekeeping missions, presented capacities and continuous development process in the defence sphere, Jolevski said.

He also underlined that the government is hardly working on improvement of economy, health and education which are key spheres for development of the country.

The development of the Military Academy is one of the main priorities. Courses in the 3rd and 4th year are to be in English language at the Military Academy and this will open the opportunities for student exchange and to increase interoperability of the members of Army of the Republic of Macedonia, Jolevski said.

General David Petraeus thanked for long-standing participation of Macedonia in peacekeeping missions underlying that ARM members are skilled professional with highly development military capabilities, fact which is well-known to all NATO member states.

Jolevski is also set to meet late Wednesday with several senators and congressmen in Washington.