The Republic of Macedonia continues strongly supporting all of the initiatives that in the spirit of the 'smart defense' concept will enable regional development and connection, being a pillar of the common road towards Euro-Atlantic integration, Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi said marking the start of Macedonia's six-month presidency of the Adriatic Charter.

Minister Besimi on Wednesday met with the ambassadors of the Adriatic Charter member states (United States, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro) and with the Chief of the NATO Advisory Team to Macedonia, Colonel Aleksandar Aleksandrov, MoD said in a press release.

Interlocutors at the meeting discussed the activities related to projects stemming from the Charter of the Adriatic Group and ways for strengthened regional connection through fresh initiatives for democratization and promotion of modern values in the region.

The programme for the implementation of this year's defense charter, including a number of activities in the course of the presidency, was reviewed. The Defense Ministry will chair a meeting of political directors from member-states, who will discuss the implementation of concrete projects in the spirit of 'smart defense' as well as meetings at expert level that will be focused on the realisation of the Balkan Regional Approach to Air Defense (BRAAD) initiative, enabling information to be shared on the monitoring of air space in compliance with NATO standards.

"BRAAD's implementation demonstrates the region's commitment to developing innovative and rational approaches in building joint regional defense capabilities in the spirit of 'smart defense'", stated the press release.

As part of the regional cooperation and the Adriatic Group, MoD suggested several regional projects, including regional coordination and training in cyber defense, development of regional medical forces, expansion of the regional training centers with Krivolak army test range, etc.

The Republic of Macedonia has an interest in and capacity to take over the role of a leading country in the development of regional training centers and in finishing the capacities of existing regional centers in Croatia, Serbia, BiH, Macedonia and Montenegro, said the press release.

On 2 May 2003, the United States, Albania, Croatia and Macedonia signed a partnership charter establishing the Adriatic Charter. Montenegro and BiH joined the association in 2008. By being part of the Adriatic Charter, the five countries are confirming their commitment to strengthening democratic reforms, respecting human rights, economic reforms and establishing stability and security in the region in an effort to join Euro-Atlantic structures.