At bilateral level, Sweden and North Macedonia have excellent and long-standing relations. Sweden is a strong supporter of North Macedonia’s EU integration and its reform agenda, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde said during a joint press conference with Macedonian counterpart Bujar Osmani.
Linde, who is paying a one-day visit to North Macedonia within Sweden’s OSCE Chairpersonship, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome she has received and appreciation of the government of North Macedonia for excellent cooperation with the OSCE Mission to Skopje.
“OSCE remains committed to supporting North Macedonia’s intentions, based on strong partnership developed 30 years ago. As the government of North Macedonia has made a strong priority of joining the EU, this was naturally a topic of discussion today. For me, as Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, it’s important to support states in meeting their commitments and exercising their rights. During my conversation with FM Osmani, I commended the significant reform efforts of the government of North Macedonia and emphasized that OSCE institutions stand ready to continue to support these reforms, including in areas where synergies can be found in advancing North Macedonia’s EU ambition,” Linde said.
She added that she and Osmani also discussed the priorities of the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship, stressing that it focuses on the joint efforts of all 57 member states aimed at defending peace and promoting global security.
Linde also thanked North Macedonia for honoring former Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh for her efforts to avoid conflict from breaking out in the country in 2001.
Osmani expressed gratitude over cooperation with the OSCE Mission to Skopje in the past 20 years, which, he said, has contributed to transforming a young democracy into a mature and stable multiethnic democracy, a member of NATO and contributor to regional stability and global peace.
“Moreover, it was impossible not to discuss today’s activities in Luxembourg. Sweden is a strong and vocal supporter of North Macedonia. I hope that support and cooperation will resume in the future. It’s time North Macedonia starts talks, having met all criteria,” the FM stressed.
North Macedonia will hold the OSCE Chairpersonship in 2023, which according to the Minister, makes the country a member of the Troika.
Osmani also told the press conference that he briefed Linde on the establishment of a task force of experts and diplomats at the Foreign Ministry, who, alongside other member states are already working on setting up the priorities of North Macedonia’s OSCE Chairpersonship.
