Skopje, 28 May 2025 (MIA) - The Parliament at its session on Wednesday, adopted with 76 votes in favour, 6 votes against and no abstentions, the law on ratification of the agreement between the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning a partnership to deliver infrastructure projects. 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Zoran Dimitrovski, who presented the law, noted that the document was signed in London on May 22, 2025, based on a declaration on strategic partnership between North Macedonia and the UK, and is an important step forward in strengthening the partnership between the two countries and promoting their common interests. The aim of the agreement is to consolidate and further develop relations and cooperation in critical infrastructure, health care, technology and energy for implementation of priority infrastructure projects. The agreement will make GBP 5 billion available to the country for large infrastructure railway, transport, health care and energy projects.

"The list of projects includes development of modern freight and high-speed railway from Tabanovce to Gevgelija, investment in health care and construction of new hospitals, completing the construction of the Shtip Hospital, construction of a new building for the medical faculty and student dormitory, construction of a hospital and health care centre in Kichevo, reconstruction of the Tetovo hospital and development of capacities for cybersecurity and digital transformation of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia. The list of projects on which the intergovernmental cooperation would focus is attached as Annex A to this Agreement," said Dimitrovski. 

He added that the agreement proposed for ratification does not require adopting new or amending current laws and will not create the need for additional ones.

During the debate, the ruling party and the opposition stated their arguments for and against the agreement. 

The opposition accused of lack of transparency regarding the Agreement, over-indebtedness of the country, adding that such agreements are far from economically beneficial and pose a long-term threat to the country's economic and political sovereignty.

The ruling coalition, on the other hand, said the agreement has been transparent and is presented before the MPs, unlike the Bechtel and Enka agreement that had not been presented to the public because of a strictly confidential clause. The ruling coalition said the UK agreement is a historic agreement for the country because it represents a solid foundation for relations with one of the world's greatest powers. 

The Parliament resumed its 52nd session. 

Photo: print screen