New York, 23 September 2024 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, described today's first bilateral meeting with his Greek counterpart, Giorgos Gerapetritis, as excellent, positive, and constructive. The meeting, which took place at the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations, also addressed the implementation of the Prespa Agreement.

"I believe that in the spirit of good faith and in the spirit of respecting the obligations arising from international public law, we will all work together to fulfill our commitments," Mucunski stated after the meeting, MIA correspondent reported from New York.

Describing the meeting as excellent, positive, and constructive, the Macedonian minister informed that the discussions focused “much more on what can unite us than on what can divide us.”

“We talked about Corridor 10, energy connectivity, boosting trade and business activities on both sides, the need to enhance our political relations, and how to advance the process of European integration,” Mucunski said.

As a small landlocked country, he emphasized, we place particular importance on international public law because it means a lot to us from several strategic perspectives.

“Therefore, I believe it is good that we met. We agreed to maintain active communication regarding the challenges that will inevitably arise between our two countries. We hope that today’s meeting will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between our two governments, characterized by good communication. I will again emphasize the importance of discussing many projects that we can jointly implement, which will bring economic prosperity to both countries and their peoples, as well as better connectivity from both an infrastructure and energy perspective,” Mucunski said.

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He stated that the initial steps to be taken include an intensified schedule of meetings between both sides, not just between the foreign ministers, but also among other sectors that share common areas of interest, benefiting both countries.

“We talked about enhancing trade relations between the two sides, with some concrete ideas that will arise in the future. I believe that if we take positive steps, the relationship will continue to improve,” Mucunski said.

He extended an invitation to Greek Foreign Minister Gerapetritis to visit our country whenever possible. “According to protocol, it is now Greece's turn to visit the state,” Mucunski added.

Mucunski said that, for the time being, there are no scheduled meetings at the presidential or prime ministerial level.

Mucunski and his Greek counterpart are participating in the 79th UN General Assembly in New York. Also, present are Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Deputy Prime Minister Izet Mexhiti, and today the Minister of Health, Arben Taravari, has arrived. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is also in New York, along with many other world leaders.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade