Skopje, 2 May 2023 (MIA) – The EU integration process, development assistance provided by the Kingdom of Sweden to North Macedonia, and the strategic goals of both countries were the topics of discussion at Tuesday’s meeting between Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs Bojan Marichikj with Sweden's Minister for European Union Affairs and Minister for Nordic Cooperation, Jessika Roswall.

According to a press release from the Secretariat for European Affairs, Deputy PM Marichikj said that Roswall’s visit during the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union is of great political significance for North Macedonia, noting that Sweden’s commitment to EU enlargement is important to the country’s progress in the negotiations process as well.

Marichikj and Roswall assessed that Sweden is continuously providing support to North Macedonia on its European path and plays a big role in the progress of the reform agenda, but the most important thing right now is to keep the country on the EU path.

“Sweden is our valuable partner, providing political, developmental and financial support on our path to the EU. The continuous support provided by Sweden in the EU integration process proves the significance of the partnership between the two countries,” said Marichikj.

Roswall said that Sweden continues to provide constant support for North Macedonia, through the fulfillment of the goals defined by the Strategy for Reform Cooperation 2021-2027, but that it is up to the country to carry out its tasks and obligations which arise from the Negotiating Framework, with a joint consensus over the question of the country’s European perspective. Roswall stressed that the political momentum for EU enlargement should be used, and the country should make a new step forward on its EU path.

According to the press release, at the meeting Marichikj and Roswall also spoke about the modalities and the directions of the development assistance, as one of the goals to help bring North Macedonia closer to the EU.

“Marichikj expressed his gratitude to Roswall for the Swedish support in securing financial assistance for reforms in key areas such as rule of law, democratic institutions, free media, economy, and the fight against corruption,” said the press release.

Additionally, Marichikj held a tête-à-tête meeting with his Swedish counterpart, during which they spoke about important topics and processes meant to move the region closer to the EU.

As part of her official visit to Skopje, Roswall is scheduled to meet with President Stevo Pendarovski and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani.

The Swedish Minister for European Union Affairs and Nordic Cooperation is on visit to Skopje upon the invitation of Deputy PM Marichikj, who was recently on visit to the Kingdom of Sweden. After their visit to Skopje, the Swedish delegation will depart for Tirana, where Minister Roswall will meet with high state officials.

Photo: Secretariat for European Affairs