Mucunski Highlights Macedonia's Corridor Crossroads at Bled Strategic Forum
Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski addressed regional security risks and NATO membership benefits while stressing the country's unique position at Corridors VIII and X.
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Timčo Mucunski, on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum 2026, addressed current geopolitical and security challenges, the strategic importance of transport corridors, and the Western Balkans' European perspective.
He emphasized that NATO membership represents a significant advantage through information sharing and joint resilience and deterrence policies, while warning that security risks in the region remain present — pointing to Russian aggression against Ukraine, the influence of China and Iran, and broader conventional and unconventional threats.
A Crossroads of Two Corridors
Particular emphasis in the address was placed on the strategic significance of Corridors VIII and X, noting that North Macedonia is the only country in the region where the two corridors intersect — a factor positioning the country as a key point for regional connectivity and transport infrastructure.
Addressing European integration, Mucunski stressed that infrastructure investment must be accompanied by clear political will for EU enlargement. "A genuine turning point would be several countries from the region becoming EU members," he said.
MKNews Hub · World · September 2, 2026
