Skopje, 16 October 2023 (MIA) – The Federal Republic of Germany is a partner country and supports North Macedonia on its path to full-fledged EU membership, through its support for the reforms and development process. The Berlin Process as an intergovernmental initiative for cooperation aimed at accelerating the Euro-integration process is a clear indicator of the support we receive from Germany, concluded Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi at a meeting Monday with the German Ambassador to North Macedonia, Petra Drexler.

In a press release, the Finance Ministry said the cooperation and closeness between the two economies, as well as the faith in the Government’s policies, is also manifested through the numerous German investments in the country.

“Germany is our most significant trade partner with a participation of around 25 percent of total trade and this is constantly growing. In the first seven months of the year, the trade exchange stood at EUR 2.9 billion with EUR 2.23 billion of goods exported to Germany,” said Minister Besimi, highlighting the German direct investments of EUR 561 million during a period of 10 years as a significant positive contribution to the domestic economy.

The Ministry of Finance noted that Germany supports the realization of several projects implemented on a central and local level, being especially active in the energy sector, where, according to the press release, investments proved to be crucial considering the ongoing energy crisis.

At the meeting, it was stressed that the cooperation should continue and intensify in all areas of mutual interest, which will in turn contribute to the country’s process of getting closer to the EU. “North Macedonia,” noted the press release, “is firmly committed to the fulfillment of that priority, and it undertakes all necessary steps to turn it into reality.”

Photo: Ministry of Finance