Delegation of YATA Macedonia on invitation by the NATO Public Diplomacy Division, from 22nd to 25th of January 2012 visited NATO HQ and SHAPE in Brussels and Mons, Belgium.



The youth opinion formers, in the NATO HQ, had briefings and discussions with high representatives of NATO. The first briefing was dedicated on the current political issues and forthcoming NATO Summit in Chicago, held by Mr  Alexandros Papaioannou from the Policy Planning Unit, Office of the Secretary General. During that one hour, Macedonian delegation had possibility to listen more on the role of the new strategic concept as well as the priority issues on Chicago Summit agenda.

Next session was dedicated on the states of Western Balkan. Representatives of NATO PDD were Ms. Barbora Maronkova, Regional Coordinator for the Western Balkans and Mr. Laurie Walker, Balkan Officer, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division. Afternoon session was dedicated on Afghanistan, on which the youth could debate with Mr. Daniele Riggio, Information Officer with responsibility on Afghanistan within NATO PDD.

Also were held meetings with Ms. Joy Davis-Kirchner, representative of the U.S. Mission to NATO and photo exhibition held by Chez delegation on the topic “Our security is not given” was accessed, opened by Kolinda Graber, Deputy Secretary General for Public Diplomacy. The day finished with a round table on public diplomacy and new media, followed by a meeting with representatives of the Macedonian Mission to NATO.

The visit of SHAPE was a high-level visit. Two sessions were held, first one dedicated on NATO, SHAPE and ACO, and the second one was dedicated on NATO operations. Third meeting which was held, was dedicated on questions and answers, and was especially beneficial for the young atlantists.

During the informal part, Macedonian representatives had opportunity to spend time with YATA representatives. Opportunities for the future cooperation were considered. Previous work of YATA Macedonia was presented and highly remarked by the Montenegrin fellows as well as Macedonian representatives in NATO HQ and SHAPE.

This visit was also very strong team building tool for the new Presidency of YATA Macedonia.