Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi met Wednesday in Podgorica with his Montenegrin counterpart Boro Vucinic as he is paying a two-day official visit to Montenegro. Talks focused on issues of mutual interest related to defense and countries' Euro-Atlantic integration.

Both interlocutors concluded that regional cooperation was the best way in meeting Euro-Atlantic goals. They also discussed joint use of disposable resources in the future.

"We wish our friends from Macedonia to overcome the issues with their southern neighbour and conditions to be created for the country to join NATO and EU as soon as possible, for which Macedonia has full support from Montenegro," its Defense Minister told a joint press conference.

Minister Vucinic thanked for the opportunity given to Montenegrin cadets to be educated at the Macedonian Military Academy, while his counterpart Besimi voiced content with the training of three Macedonian pilots at Montenegro's airbase, MIA reports from Podgorica.

"Euro-Atlantic integration is one of the best alternatives for countries in the region, i.e. NATO and EU membership provide an opportunity and guarantee for stable and long-term peace in the region as well as a chance for its further development - more investments and more new jobs," the Macedonian DM noted. He said that other initiatives in line with NATO's Smart Defence concept were reviewed.

During his stay, DM Besimi also held a meeting with Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic for talks on Euro-Atlantic integration and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.