News
8/31/2021 02:07
The Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov met today with the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias as part of his working visit to our country.
At the meeting, the readiness of both sides to ensure continuity in the implementation of Prespa Agreement was emphasized, considering its favorable impact on bilateral relations in conditions of enhanced economy, stability and prosperity for both countries. Special focus was placed on the issue of starting the accession negotiations of North Macedonia with the EU, with Deputy Prime Minister Dimitrov expressing gratitude for the support from Greece.
Dimitrov: “The friendship established between North Macedonia and Greece is realized through concrete projects of mutual interest; however, our long-term vision is to build a common European future, and therefore, the EU has to fulfill its promise to both North Macedonia and the region, and implement the decision on opening accession negotiations. Overcoming the obstacles in that context is an issue of interest both to member states and Greece as our neighbor, but also to the EU and its strategic action in the Western Balkans.”
The Greek side reaffirmed its position that the European perspective of North Macedonia should be rounded off with EU membership, which also affects the development of modalities of bilateral cooperation and good neighborly relations in the region. MFA Dendias pointed out that such support will also be affirmed within the Council of EU for the purpose of adopting the negotiation framework and holding the first EU intergovernmental conference with North Macedonia to mark the official start of its accession negotiations.
The provision of Greece technical assistance in the accession process was also discussed at the meeting, including exchange of experience, expertise and knowledge in the implementation of EU policies, on which both countries have signed a Memorandum to accelerate the EU integration process of North Macedonia and address current developments at both regional and international levels, particularly in the context of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.