Skopje, 15 November 2022 (MIA) - President Stevo Pendarovski received the credentials of the newly appointed ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Republic of North Macedonia, Sophia Philippidou, on Tuesday. At the ceremony of handing over the credentials, President Pendarovski assessed that with the signing of the Prespa Agreement, a positive and constructive atmosphere was created in the relations between the two countries, his Office said in a press release. In this regard, President Pendarovski expressed confidence that the Republic of North Macedonia will continue to be actively committed to the implementation of the Prespa Agreement and to the further deepening of cooperation with the Hellenic Republic and expressed the expectation that the Greek side will also continue to make efforts towards the implementation of the Agreement, especially in the part of the expansion of the legal framework, which, as President Pendarovski assessed, is a significant prerequisite for further strengthening of bilateral cooperation. “Today, North Macedonia and the Hellenic Republic are allies in NATO, the two countries are connected by a common vision and commitment to peace, stability, well-being and economic prosperity in the region and in the global framework, as well as close cultural and human values, which are key elements in building a safer and more prosperous future for our citizens. Our alliance in NATO takes on even greater significance for the entire region, in light of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine and the numerous challenges it creates for all countries in Europe and beyond. In that regard, the further integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union is an additional guarantee for the stability and prosperity of this part of Europe,” said President Pendarovski, thanking for support from the Hellenic Republic to the European integration of North Macedonia. Ambassador Philippidou considered that the intensification of high-level bilateral meetings is proof of the increased rapprochement between the two countries. “Greece is strongly committed to improving overall relations and sincere friendship with the Republic of North Macedonia. Hence, we expect an intensification of efforts for full, consistent and good faith implementation of the Prespa Agreement. We congratulate North Macedonia for holding the first intergovernmental conference that paved the way for European integration. Greece has always supported and promoted the European ambitions of the Western Balkans, including the Republic of North Macedonia, and is ready to provide its expertise to facilitate the process,” Ambassador Philippidou said. dk/sk/