Minister of Defense Fatmir Besimi held a meeting Thursday with the Head of the EU Delegation to Macedonia, Ambassador Aivo Orav.

Interlocutors discussed several crucial issues related to defense and security, including the fact that Macedonia in a short period of time from a beneficiary has turned into a contributor in preserving and developing democracy and peace, MoD said in a press release.

Minister Besimi noted that Macedonia remained committed to its engagement in the Althea peace mission in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Between July 2006 and July 2008, Macedonia contributed to the Althea operation with a helicopter detachment. At the moment, a 10-member medical team is deployed as well as a legal advisor in the EUFOR Command in BiH.

DM Besimi informed Ambassador Orav about the reform process in the field of defense, underlying the importance of Euro-Atlantic integration of Macedonia and the whole region.

"By joining Euro-Atlantic structures, we could create a stable region paving the way for prompt economic growth and better life for its citizens," Besimi stated.

The minister also stressed the need of more frequent meetings between defense ministers of EU candidate countries and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton in a bid to inform her on the initiatives and developments in connection to the joint foreign and security policy, stated the press release.