The holding of the NATO ministerial meeting in Bucharest has another symbolism for us - in 2018 we were waiting here to become a member of NATO, and today we are coming as a member, stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani before the beginning of the meeting of the North Atlantic Council, on level of foreign ministers, which takes place today and tomorrow in Bucharest.

- The symbolism of the NATO ministerial meeting being held in Bucharest means that NATO is sending a strong message that the Black Sea region is of strategic interest to the Alliance. The message is to show unity, cohesion in the part of condemning the aggression, in the practical support of Ukraine, but of course also in strengthening the defense capacities of the eastern wing of NATO where we also belong, said Osmani.

The minister emphasizes that we have not only shown that we are partners that can be trusted, but we have also shown absolute unequivocalness regarding the condemnation of aggression and support for Ukraine.

When asked by a journalist why Kosovo is not participating in this NATO-ministerial meeting, Osmani said that the countries that are currently most vulnerable to Russian influence have been invited to this meeting. He pointed out that North Macedonia supports Kosovo's membership in NATO.

– This time those countries are Moldova, Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. But, of course, we support Kosovo's bid for NATO membership. The countries that are currently most vulnerable to Russian influence have been invited to this meeting, said Osmani.