Macedonian and Norwegian defense ministers, Fatmir Besimi and Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen respectively, attended army exercise "Safe Road 2012" in training center "Pepeliste" on Thursday.

Exercise "Safe Road 2012" results from the bilateral cooperation in the field of military health, a four-year project of the countries' military health services. The project also envisages a donation of a field hospital, reconstruction and equipping of a center for medical training, as well as deployment of ISAF provincial teams.

Norwegian Minister Strom-Erichsen said Macedonia has always played a crucial role in their efforts towards enhancing the stability and development of the Western Balkans.

"Bilateral relations in the defense field have made a huge step forward over the past few years. The Afghan hospital would not be possible without the surgical teams from Macedonia and the level of competitiveness and professionalism of the Macedonian team. Macedonia is a country we want to cooperate with and want to see as future NATO member. This donation is a sign of support to the country's integration in the Alliance", she added.

Minister Besimi stressed that the Norwegian support helped Macedonia into meeting a significant criterion regarding the country's units taking part in peacekeeping missions through the field hospital segment.

"The hospital staff will be provided from the capacities of the military medical center, the active reserve and probably from the country's public health sector", he said.

Mr. Besimi expressed gratitude for the participation of medical teams from Norway and Serbia in joint exercise "Safe Road".

"Regional trust is confirmed through these joint cooperation projects in the field of defense, peace and security", underlined Minister Besimi.