US Ambassador to Macedonia Kate Byrnes said that the country’s security is greatly enhanced after it joined NATO. Byrnes sent a video address at an event organized by the Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia and the Defense Ministry, on the day that was declared “NATO day”.

Ambassador Byrnes praised Macedonia for volunteering to share the burden of the war in Ukraine, standing shoulder to shoulder with its allies and neighbors. She also praised Macedonia for pledging to increase its defense spending to 2 percent of GDP by 2024.

NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy Carmen Romero also spoke at the event, welcoming Macedonia’s contribution, as the newest NATO member, in advancing peace and stability in the region.