Slovakia is clearly and unequivocally committed to supporting North Macedonia in its EU accession process, and such support is especially important to the country in these complex times when the EU has failed to reach a consensus on its progress, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani told a press conference on Monday, after a meeting with Slovak counterpart Ivan Korčok who is paying a working visit to North Macedonia.
According to Osmani, it is in such times that the strong support is a sign of optimism, not only among the politicians, but also the administration and all the progressive forces in the country.
“Slovakia’s support is clear and unequivocal. North Macedonia has deserved start of negotiations, on which a decision was made by consensus in March 2020. I can agree that we shouldn’t bring misunderstandings in the EU, but at the same time an impression is created both in our country and in other countries in the region that the process of integration is becoming unpredictable, unclear or more precisely is a kind of a moving target that doesn’t reward by merit, but current political circumstances,” said Osmani.
He noted that the Government has accepted the proposal to open an embassy in Bratislava, as an essential contribution to strengthening friendship.
Slovak FM Korčok highlighted the support for start of EU accession negotiations with North Macedonia, voicing hope that EU members will reach a consensus during Portugal’s EU Presidency.
Korčok said that opening a Macedonian Embassy in Bratislava would mean promoting relations between the two countries, not only in terms of politics, but also in terms of economy.
Talks also focused on bilateral relations, possibility to improve them in all areas of mutual interest, and particularly in economic and trade cooperation.
Osmani thanked Korčok for the donation of respirators from the NATO Pandemic Response Trust Fund (PRTF), which is to be handed over on Monday as part of Slovak Aid.
In addition, Korčok is also set to meet with President Stevo Pendarovski and Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.
The Slovak Minister is visiting North Macedonia as part of his diplomatic tour of Western Balkan countries and Slovakia’s efforts for ensuring the region’s European perspective. Korčok is starting the tour across the region here in Skopje.
