The President of the State Stevo Pendarovski today received the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia, Marjan Sharec, who is on an official visit to the country.

At the meeting, the joint commitment to intensify bilateral cooperation in the field of defense, cooperation within the framework of NATO missions was confirmed, and information was exchanged about current developments and security challenges in our region.

As announced by Pendarovski's office, it was emphasized in the talks that the two countries will continue to make a selfless contribution to regional initiatives in the interest of further development of the region and a common future in the European Union.

President Pendarovski welcomed the signing of the Defense Cooperation Agreement between the two countries, expressing his expectation that it will deepen the cooperation between the two countries and open a new chapter of initiatives and projects.

At the meeting, President Pendarovski expressed regret for the losses and damages suffered in the great floods that affected Slovenia, adding that even now, as during the forest fires in North Macedonia, the two countries once again proved their mutual partnership and solidarity.

- The two interlocutors emphasized readiness for further mutual help and support in dealing with natural disasters and climate challenges, as well as for a joint response in emergency cases, according to the announcement from the Office of the President of the State.

Pendarovski thanked for the consistent Slovenian support for our country's accession to the EU, as well as for the overall support from Slovenia in the direction of the implementation of the reform processes and democratization of the country.