(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 3 - NATO is committed to ensuring the security of Northern Europe and the Western Balkans, and will not tolerate the formation of a "security vacuum in the region" during a period of rising international tensions over the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made this statement during his first official visit to North Macedonia, during a joint press conference with North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. The former Dutch Prime Minister also met with North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi to discuss regional security scenarios, NATO's role in stability, and North Macedonia's participation in collective defence. Macedonian President Siljanovska emphasised that full and urgent political integration into the European Union is the most important guarantee of peace and security in the Western Balkans, and she hoped that the upcoming Alliance Summit in Ankara would prioritise regional security. (ANSA).