The Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia, in cooperation with the Defense Ministry and Embassies of the Netherlands, Great Britain and France, promoted Monday the Smart Defense concept by NATO.

The concept encompasses three objectives - development of larger operational capabilities in conditions of economic crisis, enhanced networking and coordination among member-states and partners, and strong commitment for contribution in Euro-Atlantic security and stability.

Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi said the goals' achievement meant a joint investment in security.

"Macedonia's NATO integration represents the country's top foreign policy priority. Long-term efforts in all fields - political, economic, defense and security - have been continually invested towards fulfillment of this objective. Macedonia has met NATO accession criteria and the country is ready to assume membership-related responsibilities and obligations", said Besimi.

According to him, Macedonia is 'de facto' a NATO member, taking into account the country's peacekeepers deployed worldwide.

"The goals of the new concept are not sufficient if we are not committed. They represent a rational direction for evaluation of national defense policies and their adjustment towards the requirements of future challenges", stressed Minister Besimi.

Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia president and former defense minister Lazar Elenovski said the 'Smart Defense' concept came as a result of the increasing difficulties that the Alliance is faced with in building modern military capacities.

"All states, even the biggest ones, have limited resources in building their military capacities. NATO focuses on joint building of those capacities for the purpose of efficient response to the increasingly dynamic changes of the security environment. Each Alliance partner must carry its part of the burden. The new concept stipulates a more efficient use of military budgets while focusing on the multinational concept", emphasized Elenovski.

British Ambassador to Macedonia Christopher Yvon said the new concept came at the right time for Macedonia.

"When Macedonia joins NATO, it will be prepared and have a deeper understanding over the direction of the Alliance's general policy", added Ambassador Yvon.

NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen promoted the new concept at this year's Munich Security Conference.