Skopje, 18 January 2025 (MIA) - North Macedonia's Minister of European Affairs and Chief EU Negotiator, Orhan Murtezani, and Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Minister of Justice and Chief EU Negotiator, Olga Stefanishyna, signed on Saturday in Kiev a Memorandum of Cooperation between the two countries on issues related to EU integration.  

The meeting highlighted the importance of European integration as a strategic priority for the two countries. Minister Murtezani stressed that the enlargement process must remain credible and merit-based, ensuring stability and progress, Murtezani's Office said in a press release. 

"North Macedonia supports Ukraine on its path to the European Union, and this visit confirms our common pursuit of European values. The process of accession to the European Union should not be exclusive, but inclusive and merit-based, giving both Ukraine and the Western Balkan countries a fair chance to make progress. Unity and solidarity between our peoples are key to building a stronger and united Europe," Murtezani pointed out. 

Interlocutors concluded that the Memorandum is a significant step in building closer cooperation between the two countries, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and experiences that will contribute to more success in achieving the common goals for membership in the European Union. Minister Murtezani expressed readiness for North Macedonia to share its EU accession process experience with Ukraine, noting that the exchange of good practices will be extremely important.

The Memorandum includes exchange of experiences and knowledge in various areas, such as legislation, judicial reforms, the fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as the promotion of European values. The parties undertake to cooperate in improving institutional capacities, as well as exchange expertise in fulfilling the criteria for EU membership. The Memorandum also provides for organizing joint events, trainings and initiatives to support the European integration of Ukraine and North Macedonia.

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Stefanishyna expressed gratitude for North Macedonia's ongoing support, pointing out that mutual cooperation is essential for the European perspective of the two countries. She noted that Ukraine sees North Macedonia as a partner and friend in the European integration process.

Participants in the meeting also discussed possibilities for deepening regional cooperation through joint projects and initiatives, especially in areas where the efforts of both countries to join the Union could be strengthened through close cooperation. Murtezani and Stefanishyna agreed that a unified approach to resolving common challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the EU integration process are of crucial value for both Ukraine and North Macedonia. The two underlined the mutual commitment for coordinated action in promoting stability, growth and European values ​​in the region.

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs