Skopje, 17 May 2025 (MIA) — The Strategic Partnership Agreement with the United Kingdom is the second pillar of the country's international positioning, right behind the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the United States, and it is a confirmation of the country's stability, security, development and European future, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told the press Saturday.

"The Strategic Partnership Agreement with the UK will be the basis of an investment cycle of five million pounds or six million euros," Mickoski said.

He said investments would be made in infrastructure, including building a modern railway from Tabanovce to Gevgelija; in the public health system, including building hospitals in Shtip, Kichevo and Tetovo as well as a medical school in Bitola; and in the education system, including a student dormitory providing 900 beds.

"In the coming days, deals would be signed for those investments," Mickoski told the news conference held together with British Ambassador Matthew Lawson.

Ambassador Lawson said the Strategic Partnership Agreement was a pivotal moment in the two country's ties built on shared values, partnership within NATO and strong trade relations.

He said the UK was a great investor into the country and the British government had decided to build on this foundation through a deal focusing on trade and investments.

He dismissed rumors that the deal included a requirement for the country to provide accommodation for migrants, adding that there was a provision for cooperation between law enforcement authorities to better deal with criminal groups.

On the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Tirana on Friday, Mickoski and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer met to discuss the Strategic Partnership Agreement. At the meeting, the two prime ministers said the agreement would result in stronger cooperation and closer relations.

In a social media post after the meeting, the Macedonian PM wrote that the agreement "represents a new chapter in the relations between the two countries."

The document is the result of months of intense talks between diplomats and experts from both countries on cooperation in key areas such as security, economy, investments, education, digital transformation and climate change. It is considered a concrete and long-term commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with the United Kingdom.

By signing the agreement, the country will gain access to British expertise, financial support for reforms and opportunities for British investments in strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure and innovation. Future cooperation should also include strengthening political dialogue as well as coordination within international institutions in dealing with global security challenges. mr/