Skopje, 29 August 2023 (MIA) – We are determined in our commitment to align with the standards, values and policies of the EU and to take the next steps so that we remain in the process and progress in the EU negotiations. In this complex process, it is crucial to know that we have a country such as Slovenia, with its European experience, as our partner and ally in the realization of the EU agenda, said Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs Bojan Marichikj at a meeting with the Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, held at the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum.

According to a press release from the Secretariat for European Affairs, at the meeting it was underscored that the EU is creating a positive political momentum favorable for North Macedonia’s swift progress on the European path.

Minister Fajon welcomed the political will and commitment of the Macedonian Government over success in the negotiating process, and voiced encouragement for North Macedonia to continue forward, and noted that Slovenia’s support will remain until the fulfillment of the strategic goal – full-fledged EU membership.

Regarding the constitutional amendments, Marichikj and Fajon agreed that the amendments are not just a constitutional correction, but that they symbolize the country’s commitment to the acceleration of the reform processes, Europeanization of Macedonian society, democratic principles, rule of law and human rights.

Marichikj and Fajon, according to the press release, also spoke about the decades-long sincere friendship and cooperation between the two countries and peoples, which help further improve the relations between the two countries, contributing to the promotion of common European values, especially solidarity in dealing with consequences of climate change and natural disasters.

Deputy PM Marichikj is participating Tuesday at the panel titled “Goodbye Europe !(?) – Global Vassal or Global Leader: Europe in a New Geopolitical Age” at the Bled Strategic Forum. The other participants are Slovenian Deputy PM and FM Tanja Fajon, Federica Mogherini, Arancha González, U.S. Department of State’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Europe and South Central Europe Christopher W. Smith, and Slovakian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Wlachovský.

Photo: Secretariat for European Affairs