Skopje, 22 November 2024 (MIA) - Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani held a meeting Friday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, Elina Valtonen, as an opportunity to deepen dialogue for the European future of the country and the region and strengthen Finland’s role as a close partner, the Ministry of European Affairs said in a press release.

According to the Ministry, Murtezani welcomed the consistent role and support of Finland as part of the informal group “Friends of North Macedonia” in the EU Council, which actively promotes cooperation between Western Balkan countries and the European Union.  

Murtezani noted that North Macedonia’s integration within the European Union isn’t only a national priority, but also a “political, strategic goal that sends a message of hope to the entire region”.

“In that context, he stressed the need for a predictable and credible accession process that will motivate member states in the implementation of the reform agendas. The Ministers agreed that the Union isn’t a goal by itself, but a mechanism for the creation of shared prosperity, stability and democratic values. In the talks, it was stressed that enlargement is a key instrument for strengthening the Union’s geopolitical relevancy and maintaining trust in the European perspective among the citizens of the region,” the Ministry said.