Skopje, 4 April 2023 (MIA) – Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs, Bojan Marichikj, held a meeting Tuesday with the Hungarian Ambassador to North Macedonia, András Klein, with whom he discussed the EU negotiations process, current political topics and opportunities for boosting bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

“We must remain focused on North Macedonia’s EU path and the tasks from the accession negotiations during 2023 as well, and for us, it is important to know that we have the support of Hungary in the negotiations process and our efforts to fulfill our goal,” said Marichikj at the meeting.

According to the Secretariat for European Affairs, Ambassador Klein stressed that Hungary provides clear support for North Macedonia’s EU membership and said that the country must not allow itself to block its negotiations.

Klein added that Hungary will continue to work on enlarging the EU with the countries from the region, and North Macedonia can count on Hungary’s technical assistance and support in the implementation of reforms and meeting EU standards.

“Marichikj and Klein agreed that North Macedonia has already taken the most important step towards the EU, but that a political consensus and responsibility from all stakeholders are necessary for further implementation of the reform agenda,” said the Secretariat.

In that context, Marichikj and Klein stressed the importance of the reforms in chapter 23 and 24, as well as the importance of reforms in the judiciary, the independence of the judiciary, as well as the fight against crime and corruption, for which the Government has the necessary political will and capacity, said Deputy PM Marichikj.

The excellent bilateral relations between the two countries were also discussed at the meeting, and opportunities were assessed for further improvement of cooperation in various areas, in order to accelerate the Euro-integrations.

 “To that end, Marichikj spoke about new Hungarian investments, as well as a new initiative for an infrastructure project that will connect the region with Europe,” said the Secretariat for European Affairs. ad/nn/ 

Photo: Secretariat for European Affairs