Skopje, 31 January 2024 (MIA) - In the framework of her visit to the United States and on the eve of the Annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Caretaker Deputy PM for Good Governance Policies, Slavica Grkovska, took part in the security forum discussing malign Chinese and Russian influence in the Balkans on Wednesday.

Deputy PM Grkovska pointed out that North Macedonia has always been at the crossroads of different influences, including harmful ones that undermined the country's every step in becoming part of the Alliance and EU. Unfortunately, she added, these influences have not reduced with the NATO membership, but intensified as the country faces new obstacles in joining the EU, the Government said in a press release.

According to her, such harmful narratives, fake news and disinformation spread wider and deeper in society.

"All this is in the interest of countries which, historically speaking, have always opposed Macedonia. The systematic increase of Euroscepticism and anti-West attitudes can have far-reaching consequences on the stability of our society and the entire region," Grkovska said.

She expressed hope that the United States will remain our ally and friend, and continue to support North Macedonia's efforts in promoting democracy, rule of law, and creating sustainable institutional capacities for growth and development.

"Without the United States partnership, we would not be able to deal with the malign influences by the enemies of freedom and democracy, nor prevent the metastases that penetrate the fragile fabric of our society," Grkovska stressed. ssh/ik/

Photo: Government