Oketa meets with Macedonian counterpart in Ohrid

OHRID, March 1 – Host Macedonian Defense Minister Zoran Konjanovski met in an informal meeting with his Albanian counterpart Gazmend Oketa last Saturday in Ohrid.
There were also high-ranking military officials at the meeting led by the Chief of Macedonian Army (ARM) Staff Lieutenant-General Miroslav Stojanovski and Albanian counterpart Brig. Gen. Maksim Malaj.
“We had a similar informal meeting in Durres two months ago, at which we agreed on resumption of such bilateral gatherings. Macedonia-Albania cooperation has lasted for years through the Adriatic Charter and ISAF joint activities”, said Konjanovski.
The meeting was considered a good opportunity for delegations to exchange opinions on current regional developments, as well as topics of mutual interest.
Konjanovski said the country remains on its clearly determined course, i.e. full-fledged Alliance membership.
“It is well-known that the three countries – Croatia, Albania and Macedonia – worked together towards joining NATO. We were prevented by Greece due to our constitutional name. I hope that once this problem is settled, we will be able to swiftly join NATO, which is our aspiration and our goal”, said Konjanovski.
Albania together with Croatia was invited last year to become full NATO members, something which is expected to be completed at the next summit of the alliance in April.