Skopje, 17 January 2025 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova received Friday the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Italian Republic, Paolo Palminteri, the President's Office said in a press release.  

At the handover ceremony, President Siljanovska Davkova expressed satisfaction with the successful development of bilateral relations and the cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.  

The President highlighted the special role and significance of Ambassador Palminteri's engagement in further deepening cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

"Although Italy is consistently on the list of the top 10 countries with which we have the largest volume of trade, I would like to especially emphasize Macedonia's interest in reducing our trade deficit," Siljanovska Davkova noted. 

President Siljanovska Davkova extended gratitude for Italy's ongoing and principled support for the country's European integration.

"I highly appreciate Italy's strong and vocal support for our accession to NATO, as well as for full-fledged EU membership. I believe membership will open a new chapter in our history, bring new energy to our society and strengthen the European idea," she stressed.

Ambassador Palminteri pointed out that Italy believes in international cooperation and consistently promotes peace and mutual understanding between nations. For him, these goals and values ​​have always been the basis of Italy's policy towards the Balkans. He added that Italy understands and strongly supports the country's aspiration to become a full-fledged member of the European Union.

Palminteri noted that his mission in Skopje is to support the country's European aspirations and contribute to promoting internal reforms and economic development. He also expressed confidence that the sincere and strong friendship between the two countries will contribute to mutual security, political stability and economic growth.

"President Siljanovska Davkova wished the Ambassador a successful diplomatic mission and strengthening of Macedonian-Italian relations," reads the press release. 

Photo: President's Office