Tallinn, 10 November 2022 (MIA) – Intensified political dialogue between North Macedonia and Estonia that reflects the joint political commitment for close relations and developed cooperation in the fields of mutual interest were in the focus of discussions of Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani and Estonian counterpart Urmas Reinsalu in Tallinn on Thursday. At the joint press conference following their meeting, FM Osmani thanked Estonia for its strong and unequivocal support, continually supporting the European reform process in North Macedonia but also within the European Union. “Estonia’s support within the Enlargement Friendship Group alongside the other Baltic states promotes the European perspective and progress of Euro-integration processes in the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia,” said Osmani. In this context, Osmani referred to the current screening process as a significant stage in the EU accession negotiations, as well as the activities in the coming period. Estonian support to digitization of institutions in North Macedonia is of exceptional importance for the country’s reforms. “We expect Estonia’s experience, as a pioneer of Europe’s digitization, to significantly help the further improvement of services in our country,” said Osmani. The two FMs discussed the security challenges arising from the Russian aggression in Ukraine and reaffirmed the positions as close NATO allies that the aggression is a blatant violation of international law. “North Macedonia has demonstrated unequivocal support to Ukraine winning this struggle by providing humanitarian, medical but also military support. North Macedonia joined the eight sets of EU sanctions and fully aligned its foreign policy with EU’s common foreign and security policy. We also agreed that strengthening NATO’s eastern flank is important to prevent a spillover of the conflict in the Euro-Atlantic zone, through North Macedonia’s participation in the combat group in Latvia,” said Osmani. FM Reinsalu said Estonia is one of North Macedonia’s strongest supporters on its EU accession path, not only through the bilateral development support but also through promotion of the need for progress and pushing the Western Balkans towards the European family. Regarding the extremely sensitive period of geopolitical shifts that have significant implications on the security and stability of the European continent, he said Estonia condemns all destructive activities of Russian operatives against North Macedonia. “On behalf of the Estonian people, I express my gratitude for your enormous support to the Ukrainian people and state against the Russian aggression,” said Reinsalu and reaffirmed the need for unanimous solidarity in EU and NATO in support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Interlocutors also discussed developments in the Western Balkans, agreeing on the urgent need for dialogue and mutual respect by states, towards finding acceptable solutions to open issues. In addition, Osmani briefed Reinsalu on the country’s plans for the OSCE Chairmanship in 2023, hoping for close cooperation and support from Estonia in this regard. During his visit to Estonia, FM Osmani also paid a visit to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (NATO CCDCOE). Osman’s Baltic tour also included yesterday’s visit to Lithuania, whereas Latvia is the next destination on Friday, where he will meet counterpart Edgars Rinkēvičs and Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Rihards Kols. In addition, In addition, the FM will meet with Macedonian troops who are part of the Slovenian contingent of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.