Skopje, 29 June 2026 (MIA) - Deepening political and economic relations, strengthening Euro-Atlantic cooperation and strong support for North Macedonia's European integration were in the focus of Monday's meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, and Lithuania's Foreign Minister, Kęstutis Budrys, who is in an official visit to the country.

The two ministers concluded that bilateral ties are excellent, with potential for further deepening, especially in economic and trade cooperation. Interlocutors pointed out that the opening of the Macedonian Embassy in Vilnius marks a significant step in promoting partnership, while Lithuania remains a strong supporter of the country's European integration process. In addition, the two agreed that the current geopolitical situation requires unity, enhanced cooperation and a clear orientation towards European values.

Minister Mucunski stressed that relations with Lithuania are based on common values ​​and strategic orientation.

"Lithuania is a country with which we share clear strategic orientation, strong Euro-Atlantic alignment and an understanding that freedom, sovereignty and security are not inherited, but sustained daily with ongoing decisions, principled policy and strong allies. Today's visit comes after my visit to Lithuania last year and the regular political consultations held between our two ministries," said Mucunski.

He noted that the visit represents a new impetus in bilateral relations, pointing out that new opportunities for cooperation are opening up.

"I see it as an important step towards deepening political dialogue at a high level and as confirmation that the relations between our two countries are gaining new dynamics. Minister Budrys and I discussed possibilities for more intensive political, economic and sectoral cooperation, as well as implementation of concrete initiatives in the coming period. In that direction, the opening of the Macedonian Embassy in Vilnius marks a significant step forward," the Minister said.

Mucunski highlighted Lithuania's support for the country's European path. 

"I would particularly like to highlight Lithuania's principled and ongoing support to our country in the process of its European integration. We are sincerely grateful for that. I would like to convey unequivocally the view that progress on our European path is not just fulfillment of a long-term strategic goal. It is an issue that has broader security and geostrategic significance. Our place is in the European Union," he stressed. 

Lithuania's Foreign Minister, Kęstutis Budrys, highlighted strong political and historical closeness between the two countries, reiterating support for the country's EU integration.

"I am truly glad to be here at this important time, because our countries may seem geographically distant from each other, although our recent history is very similar. We both regained our independence in the early 1990s. Then we clearly chose our strategic path towards Euro-Atlantic integration. We both know what it means to defend freedom and how important international law and respect for the fundamental principles and values ​​that we share are," said Budrys.

He added that EU enlargement will be one of the priorities during the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

"As we take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU on January 1, 2027, enlargement will be one of our top priorities, along with foreign and homeland security. I firmly believe in a strong European Union as a geopolitical factor. To be a geopolitical factor, we must be bigger, we must include the whole of Europe and include candidate countries, especially those that have been waiting too long," the Lithuanian Minister stressed.

Budrys also reiterated support for the reform processes in the country.

"North Macedonia is on the right track. We strongly support that, both at the state level and personally. It is important and we will continue with the support. Our readiness to provide support is complete," Budrys said.

Photo: MIA