Skopje, 1 November 2023 (MIA) - At a meeting organized by the Macedonian-American Alumni Association (MAA) on Wednesday, Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj stressed the importance of including highly qualified personnel, as a great contribution to the state, in all areas of society, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release.

He added that it is necessary to find a way to include them in the reforms according to the chapters of the negotiating process.

Marichikj also said that it is important to establish a framework of cooperation with the alumni association, whose capacity is an important resource in moments of important decisions and processes of running the state.

According to the press release, Marichikj highlighted the importance of cooperation with all strategic partners, i.e. the importance of a strategic dialogue between the United States and North Macedonia that reaffirms the joint commitments for strengthening cooperation and significant support for North Macedonia's EU integration process.

"Participants in the meeting pointed out that the EU accession process requires mobilization and active engagement of the entire society, especially from qualified and experienced professionals. Furthermore, that together we can navigate the reform processes that will shape the path to EU, by harmonizing policies and institutions with European standards, which will prepare us for full-fledged EU membership," the press release reads.

The Deputy PM said it is necessary to show strong will, decisive action, real optimism and vision for the country and society.

"Acquiring all of these elements, it is necessary to work together, and I am convinced that we will achieve the strategic plan for joining the EU by 2030," Marichikj said, as cited in the press release.

The meeting was moderated by U.S. Ambassador Angela Aggeler, and addressed by Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani and Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska. ssh/nn/

Photo: Secretariat for European Affairs ​