Skopje, 3 September 2024 (MIA) - Deputy PM and Minister for Community Relations Ivan Stoiljkovikj met Thursday with Turkish Ambassador Fatih Ulusoy, discussing current political and economic issues in both countries, with focus on further increasing cooperation and creating opportunities for strengthening bilateral ties, especially in terms of strengthening interethnic relations.

Deputy PM Stoiljkovikj and Ambassador Ulusoy agreed to encourage Turkish companies to invest in North Macedonia, overcome difficulties and opportunities for starting negotiations to update the free trade agreement, and organize a Turkish-Macedonian business forum with Macedonian and Turkish companies.

Regarding the Turkish community living in the country, Ambassador Ulusoy said that Türkiye and North Macedonia have a special relationship and the goal is to have a good relationship with all ethnic communities, and they are open to contribute to the solution of all potential issues.

"You don't need to ask for support, you have it regardless of the issues the Turkish community in the country faces," Stoilkovikj said, highlighting the Ministry for Community Relations’ support for overcoming difficulties in mother tongue education.

According to interlocutors, cooperation between the two counties is crucial for the stability and development of the region as a whole, the Deputy PM's Office said in a press release. ssh/ik/

Photo: Deputy PM's Office