Skopje, 31 March 2023 (MIA) - Sweden's continued support to North Macedonia's European path and its commitment to the region during its EU Presidency were reaffirmed at the meeting of Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj with Swedish Minister for EU Affairs, Jessika Roswall, in Strockholm on Friday.

Marichikj and Roswall discussed the Swedish EU Presidency priorities, the constitutional changes, reforms and the screening process, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release.

"It is important that we have political support and open door to the EU. The dynamics and continuity of the EU accession process is in our hands now. The Government has the political will and is prepared to speed up the implementation of reforms but a clear plan and framework on enlargement is also required from the Union," said Marichikj.

The Deputy PM thanked Sweden for the political and financial support over the past 30 years in its progress and achievement of the strategic goal of EU membership.

Minister Roswall welcomed North Macedonia's full alignment with the Union's foreign policy and its adherence to the sanctions imposed on Russia. In this context, she thanked North Macedonia for the sincere support to Sweden's NATO accession, which will contribute to the strengthening of security in the Euro-Atlantic area.

During the visit, Deputy PM Marichikj also met with Christian Danielsson, State Secretary to the Minister for EU Affairs, exchanging views on the current political developments in the Western Balkans and the importance of clear European perspective of the region.

Marichikj also met with Lisa Fredriksson, director of the Europe and Latin America department at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), discussing bilateral cooperation and implementation of the 2021-2027 Cooperation Strategy, reads the press release.

Photo: Secretariat for European Affairs