Gonul Says Turkey Supports Macedonia's Nato Membership Bid

SKOPJE - Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said on Tuesday that Turkey supported Macedonia's NATO membership bid.
After meeting Macedonian Defense Minister Vlado Buchkovski, Gonul praised Macedonia's efforts to adjust its army to NATO standards and its efforts to join the Alliance.
Gonul said that Turkey supported Macedonia's efforts.
Noting that two countries had perfect relations, Gonul said that Turkey and Macedonia should work more for a closer defense cooperation.
On the other hand, Buchkovski said that Macedonia was closer to NATO, and thanked Turkey.
Macedonia hopes to become a NATO member in 2006-2007.
(BRC) 07.09.2004