The road to NATO is important for Macedonia, stability of the country and the region, while successful Euro-Atlantic integration of the region's countries is also a success for the Alliance, Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi and Admiral James Stavridis concluded at their joint meeting on Tuesday.

Admiral Stavridis, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and commanding officer of NATO's Allied Command Operations, is paying a two-day official visit to Macedonia.

Defense reforms and the new army structure, fulfilment of goals defined together with NATO countries in the middle- and long-term, the budget envisaged for defense development and army modernisation was the focal point of Besimi and Stavridis' meeting. Interlocutors at the meeting also discussed issues related to defense reforms on the road to NATO membership and regional cooperation - which were overwhelmingly endorsed - and Macedonia's participation in NATO-led international peace missions in line with the principle "in together, out together."

"As long as NATO is present in international missions, Macedonia remains its credible partner," Minister Besimi stated after meeting Admiral Stavridis.

He said that strategic partnership was being enhanced "when working together", urging both countries to join forces in addressing challenges of the 21st century.

"I would like to commend country's success and progress made on the road to NATO membership," the Admiral added thanking Besimi and "all brave Macedonian army troops serving in the peace mission in Afghanistan."

Admiral James Stavridis is also set to meet with President Gjorge Ivanov, PM Nikola Gruevski and FM Nikola Poposki.