Skopje, 2 March 2023 (MIA) – Newly appointed ambassadors to Slovenia and Spain, Goran Milevski and Edmond Ademi, presented the platforms for their diplomatic activity at a session of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee held on Thursday.

Goran Milevski pointed out that North Macedonia and Slovenia’s bilateral relations are really good, and so is the cooperation on a local level in the area of economy, education, healthcare and culture. Slovenia was the first country to recognize North Macedonia's independence. This year marks the 30-year anniversary of the opening of the Macedonian Embassy in Ljubljana, the first embassy open abroad, June 7, 1993.

“We have much to learn from Slovenia because it has been a member of EU and NATO since 2004, and it has been part of the Eurozone and the Schengen Area since 2007. The road they traveled can be our mark for becoming part of the EU and improving the citizen standard. Slovenia is the biggest lobbyist for Macedonia and its EU membership, the driving force pushing the entire Western Balkans to the EU,” Milevski said.

He said that the economic relations are not following this dynamic, despite the excellent political relations. The Macedonian deficit is becoming smaller each year, showing that the Macedonian export will surpass EUR 100 million at an exchange of EUR 235 million, with a difference of EUR 34 million.

“We must put in effort to increase exports to Slovenia and increase Slovenian investments to North Macedonia,” said Milevski.

He added that Slovenia has invested EUR 554 million in our country, 11 million during the last year, making it the 5^th biggest investor to North Macedonia. In comparison, investments from North Macedonia to Slovenia have amounted to EUR 60 million over the last 10 years. Pharmaceuticals are being exported the most, and it’s disappointing that the deficit in terms of agricultural products is increased.

Milevski said that he would also put effort into the reestablishment of the Skopje-Ljubljana airline, which was revoked during the Covid pandemic. He also mentioned the role of the Macedonian diaspora to Slovenia, 20,000 people, which is politically active and has one MEP from Slovenia of Macedonian descent, as well as a Minister in Robert Golob’s new Government, and advisors to two municipalities. Around 2,000 Macedonians study in Slovenian universities, enjoying the same rights as local students.

Commission President Antonio Miloshoski noted that Milevski’s agenda is ambitious, but it will be difficult to achieve.

“I advise that the MFA take its promotion and PR activities down a notch, and increase diplomatic funds in embassies where Macedonia has friends and great opportunities to promote its interests and cooperation in multiple areas,” he said.

The newly named Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Edmond Ademi, said that Spain, a member of NATO and EU, has continuously supported the country's European-Atlantic integration. The contours and key directions of Spain’s upcoming EU chairmanship have been laid out, making Europe more integrated, flexible, and increasing its global effect.

“Regarding the Western Balkans, Spain intends to preserve its European perspective and consolidate bilateral relations with the region, supporting their EU accession progress. Spain has continuously supported our EU integration, representing the position that an accelerated and effective implementation of reforms and fulfilment of EU criteria will bring benefits towards the improvement of the living standard of the citizens, as well as making processes more effective,” Ademi said.

He pointed out that he will focus on promoting our interests, and especially attracting direct foreign investments and the development of cultural cooperation, as well as implementing direct airlines from Skopje to Madrid and Barcelona. Miloshoski says that the number of diplomats to the Embassy should increase long-term.

By presenting their theses to the Parliamentary Committee, the appointed ambassadors are going through the final filters before embarking on their diplomatic mission. dk/nn/

Photo: MIA archive