Skopje, 26 February 2023 (MIA) - During his visit to the United States, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani met with representatives of the diaspora in New York and New Jersey, reaffirming the commitment of North Macedonia's institutions to strengthening relations with the diaspora. 

Osmani expressed his gratitude for the activities of the diaspora in preserving the language and culture, among other. He also expressed appreciation for the engagement of the diaspora in lobbying and promoting the interests of North Macedonia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.  

"The diaspora contributes positively to our image abroad and is an important bridge. In conditions of notable change in the structure of the migration contingent and its growing development potentials, the need to establish stronger cooperation with the diaspora is extremely important," Osmani said at the meeting. 

He spoke of the Foreign Ministry's projects in the past two and a half years, implemented as a result of the diaspora's appeal and interest. He mentioned, among other, the digitization of consular services (e-consulate), the base and mobile stations for updating travel documents, the financing of projects for the diaspora, the economic benefits for investing in North Macedonia, etc. 

In addition, Osmani briefed interlocutors on the foreign policy context, the regional dynamics and North Macedonia's strategic goals, where the EU accession process is of primary interest.