Skopje, 23 July 2024 (MIA) — Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani met Tuesday with Ambassador of Greece Sophia Philippidou for talks on several aspects of bilateral relations and the regional political situation.

According to an official press release, the talks focused the European Commission's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans aimed at boosting the country's reform process and economic development.

Meeting participants also discussed the importance of consistently implementing the Prespa Agreement by both sides.

"Murtezani stressed that North Macedonia was committed to strengthening relations with Greece as NATO allies and European partners," the release says. 

He highlighted the importance of good neighborly relations for the regional stability and progress and said the country remained committed to the European path. 

Murtezani also stressed how important the Greek support was for the country's European integration. He expressed hope that both sides would continue working together to achieve the goal of North Macedonia's EU membership, according to the release.

Ambassador Philippidou reaffirmed Greece's support for the country's European integration efforts, highlighting the importance of boosting bilateral cooperation in various areas, especially business, and in regional initiatives.

Murtezani and Philippidou agreed that both countries would greatly benefit from deepening cooperation as part of EU programs related to European integration, including the TAIEX and Twinning institution building instrument as well as IINTERREG IPA Cross Border Cooperation Program and the IINTERREG Balkan-Mediterranean Transnational Cooperation Program. mr/