Macedonian Defence Minister Zoran Jolevski participated at the security forum “Global terrorism and cyber threats” organised by the US Senate and hosted by senator Jim Inhofe. During the forum, Jolevski met with members of President Donald Trump's transition team, which is preparing personnel changes in the State Department and other US institutions.

"We discussed the need to fight against terrorism and to protect cyber security. Our goal was to intensify cooperation and information exchange. It is very important to note that, besides the Senate members, we met with representatives from President Trump's transition team and were given a strong message that the Trump team will remain dedicated to NATO and that NATO will be strong tool to fight terror and cyber threats. We received assurances from members of the Trump transition team that the United States will remain committed to Europe, the region and the Republic of Macedonia", Minister Jolevski told the Macedonian Television following the meetings.

Jolevski also held meetings with officials of the Pentagon, the US Department of State, the Senate, the Congress and think tanks, the Defence Ministry said in a press release. The forum was attended by several senators and congressmen and senior former and current officials and representatives from the US, the European Parliament, most of the Balkan countries as well as from Germany, Romania, Pakistan and Turkey.

Jolevski addressing the forum said that the Balkans belongs to the Euro-Atlantic region and its security is indivisible from the security of Europe. He also underlined the need of bolstering the cooperation of the security structures in Europe aimed at more efficient dealing with current and future challenges. The Republic of Macedonia as well as other countries in the region have large and important role in dealing with the migrant and refugee crisis that is sweeping Europe, Jolevski said. Given the current geopolitical situation in the world, Europe and the Balkans, it is necessary strategic steps to be taken, he added.

"Integration of the Southeast European countries is one of these strategic steps. We are aware of certain criteria and requirement that should be met, countries from the region are ready to work to fulfill them, but it is necessary their faster integration in collective defence systems", Minister Jolevski underlined.

Senators and congressmen at the forum underlined that US remains committed to cooperation with Europe which is strategic partner in the fight against terrorism and cyber threats, and also it is priority of US President Donald Trump and his administration and the newly appointed Secretary of Defence and National Security Adviser is guarantee in dealing with these security threats.