Skopje, 7 October 2024 (MIA) - We share much more than a common border. Many of the citizens of the two countries share history, culture, family ties and, most important of all, common aspirations for prosperity and peace for our people. We discussed ways to deepen economic cooperation, to connect our people and create opportunities for future generations to come, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told a joint press conference with Serbian counterpart Miloš Vučević. 

Mickoski said talks focused on the challenges facing the region, pointing out that it is necessary, "in these turbulent times, to be together, to be the voice of reason and to work towards stability and security of the entire region."

"We stressed the importance of dialogue as the only way to resolve disputes and misunderstandings. As regards our European aspirations, we reaffirmed the common vision that the future of the region is the European Union. We know that the path to get there is not easy, but we believe that with joint efforts and support we can fulfil the criteria and bring the benefits of European integration to the citizens in the region," said Mickoski.

The PM pointed out that tacks also tackled the energy connection of the two countries.

"We highlighted the importance of the construction of the gas interconnector that connects or will connect the two countries in the future. As we are now in the process of finalizing a tender procedure that will finally launch the construction of the interconnector with our southern neighbour, to provide an additional option for gas supply to Central Europe," Mickoski noted. 

The Serbian PM, on his part, pointed out that North Macedonia and Serbia have traditionally had good relations, and agreed with Mickoski that the construction of the interconnector and a new route for the supply of natural gas to Serbia, via North Macedonia, is key for Serbia.

"We strongly support the common path. Serbia believes in a common European future for the entire region. We give full support to North Macedonia on its European path. We believe that the EU must give North Macedonia an opportunity for its progress towards the Union, we want to say that publicly, and we believe in the common European destiny or story for the entire region. This region deserves a chance and support from the entire European Union," said Vučević, who is paying an official visit to the country. 

Photo: MIA