Skopje, 30 July 2025 (MIA) – The Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, is on a working visit to the country on Wednesday. He will meet with his host, Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani, and will also be received by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.

Murtezani and Byrne are scheduled to hold a joint press conference at the Government.

Byrne’s visit to the region, which includes Skopje and Prishtina, will focus on EU integration ahead of and during Ireland’s EU Presidency next year, as well as on Ireland’s increased engagement in the Western Balkan region, according to his office.

Commenting on his visit, Minister Byrne said: “EU enlargement will be a key focus during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. I am visiting Kosovo and North Macedonia to underline Ireland’s support for the EU perspectives of both countries. I want to encourage and support the governments in Pristina and Skopje, in their efforts to implement the necessary reforms to align with EU standards, in order to deliver real progress on their EU integration during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU next year.”

Photo: MIA archive