Skopje, 14 April 2023 (MIA) - Let me convey Spain's renewed interest and our support to the process of your European Union accession. Last year's opening of the negotiations was a big step forward. Spain supports the Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkans as an EU policy for progressive integration, said Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares Bueno on Friday.

"Many years have passed since a Spanish foreign minister has come to the region. We want to strengthen our cooperation. Spain's EU Presidency overlaps with North Macedonia's OSCE Chairmanship and there surely will be synergies between the two presidencies, working together on aspects that are very important amid these complex times for Europe," said FM Albares.

He added that bilateral relations are strengthening and becoming even closer, whereas economic cooperation is making progress.

"This is a country that is very attractive for Spanish companies. The best example of this is Idom, a company that is operating in the field of Ohrid Lake water treatment, and I am sure it will pull many other companies and ensure economic exchange. Spain plans to hold a ministerial conference on the Balkans and we are in communication with the EU authorities to make this happen, because it would be very important to make progress in this dialogue," said Albares.

FM Osmani voiced satisfaction that the first bilateral visit of a Spanish foreign minister to North Macedonia is taking place ahead of the 30th anniversary from the establishment of diplomatic ties and in light of Madrid's EU Presidency, representing a strong message of support to the country's European path.

Osmani thanked Albares over Spain's continued support to North Macedonia's Euro-integration process, noting that Skopje remains committed to meeting its tasks in order to resume the process of accession negotiations as an investment in its future.

"The visit comes amid an exceptionally important moment in the EU enlargement process and our European file. Spain will take over the EU Presidency from Sweden on July 1, a key period for us, a time when the screening process is set to finish and the country should enter a new stage in the negotiations - opening of clusters and chapters," said Osmani.

For this purpose, the two FMs signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the countries' Ministries of Foreign Affairs, for development of cooperation in North Macedonia's EU accession process.

The meeting also tackled cooperation within OSCE, with Chairman-in-Office Osmani saying that Ukraine remains the top priority of the Chairmanship. The FM also told his counterpart that close communication and collaboration has been established with EU High Representative Josep Borrell, expressing readiness for synergy and synchronized actions of the two presidencies - OSCE and EU - until the end of 2023.

Interlocutors also discussed the opportunities for enhancement of economic relations, mutual support in multilateral organizations and sectoral support, but also exchanged opinions on developments in the Western Balkans and regional initiatives as a form to boost mutual trust and overcome open bilateral issues among neighbours.

Photo: MIA/MFA