In the attendance of ambassadors and officials from NATO member-states and candidate-countries, Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi hosted a reception on the 20. Macedonian Army (ARM) anniversary at the NATO HQ on Wednesday.

Minister Besimi said ARM is ready to become full-fledged NATO member-army, adding Macedonia has become an active contributor to global peace.

"ARM is already an adult army taking part in NATO-led peacekeeping missions worldwide. We thank the Alliance for its support and we expect our active membership", stressed Besimi.

DM Besimi and Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki, who also attended the reception, met with NATO Assistant Secretary-General Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, focusing on Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic perspectives.

"Today we expect the start of the 14. cycle of Macedonia's accession process. We have already proved on numerous occasions our contribution to NATO-led missions, along with achievements in the sections of training and harmonization of regulations", said FM Poposki in light of the North-Atlantic Council meeting.

According to him, Macedonia has reached a stage when it could act as a NATO member-state.

"Unfortunately, we cannot join the Alliance for four years and believe that NATO should focus on the mutual interest. These are the messages we will send today, hoping they will be reflected in the decision-making process. Macedonia wants to be part of NATO, together with all neighbors, including the southern one. We expect that the Alliance's interest will prevail over bilateral obstacles", emphasized Poposki.