Ljubljana, 3 April 2023 (MIA) — In the 31 years since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, North Macedonia and Slovenia have built a strong partnership that will continue through intensified cooperation, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and Slovenia's President Natasha Pirc Musar agreed at their meeting in Ljubljana on Monday.

Meeting participants welcomed North Macedonia's policy of open dialogue promoting good-neighborly relations and contributing to regional peace and European stability. At the same time, Slovenia expressed strong support for accellerating North Macedonia's European integration process.

According to PM Kovachevski at the meeting, the EU enlargement policy is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the region, advancing democracy, the rule of law, safeguarding human rights and freedoms, and strengthening the competitiveness of regional economies.

"I give my thanks to the Republic of Slovenia for being a strong and open supporter of North Macedonia's path to accession as well as the prospects for EU membership for the entire Western Balkans," he said.

Kovachevski also pointed out that the country was completely aligned with the EU's foreign policy and that it practiced European values, demostrating that it deserves a place in the Union.

Slovenian President Pirc Musar will return the visit, which will confirm the partnership between the two countries, the official press release says. mr/