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NATO and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia1actively cooperate in a range of areas, with a particular emphasis on defence and security sector reform, as well as support for wider democratic and institutional reform. The country joined the Membership Action Plan (MAP) in 1999 and aspires to join the Alliance.
The MAP is a practical manifestation of NATO’s “open door” policy. It is a framework through which the Allies provide advice, assistance and practical support to aspiring countries to help them prepare for NATO membership.
Beyond the key focus on reform, another important area of cooperation is the country’s support for NATO-led operations. For many years, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia1 has been providing valuable host nation support to troops of the Kosovo Force (KFOR) transiting the country. The country also contributes to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
At the April 2008 Bucharest Summit, Allies recognized the hard work and commitment demonstrated by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia1 to NATO values and Alliance operations. They agreed that an invitation to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia1 will be extended as soon as a mutually acceptable solution to the issue over the country’s name has been reached with Greece.
In the MAP framework, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia1 sets out its reform plans and timelines in its Annual National Programme (ANP). Key areas include political, military and security-sector reforms. Important priorities are efforts to meet democratic standards, support for reducing corruption and fighting organized crime, judicial reform, improving public administration and promoting good-neighbourly relations. NATO Allies provide feedback on the envisaged reforms and evaluate their implementation.
More…Relations between NATO and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia1 date back to 1995, when the country joined the Partnership for Peace (PfP), which was followed by membership of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) in 1997. Relations were strengthened during the Kosovo crisis in 1999, when the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia1 was a key partner in supporting NATO operations, and Allied forces were deployed to the country to halt the spread of the conflict and to provide humanitarian assistance for refugees from Kosovo. The same year, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia1 joined the Membership Action Plan.
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