Skopje, 8 February 2024 (MIA) - President Stevo Pendarovski received Thursday the credentials of newly appointed Irish Ambassador to North Macedonia, Brendan Ward, based in Bucharest.

President Pendarovski expressed satisfaction with the highly developed bilateral ties between the two countries characterized by intense political dialogue and partnership, and his hopes for developing cooperation, especially in the field of economy, the President's Office said in a press release.

Pendarovski said the future of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans exists through the lens of EU, and expressed immense gratitude for the support to the country's European integration process, emphasizing that Ireland has been a strong and important partner on our road to EU membership.

Ambassador Ward noted that although both countries are on the opposite ends of Europe, shared values and commitment to the European ideal prove they actually have a lot in common.

Ward said he is looking forward to cooperation and improving bilateral ties in the direction of supporting North Macedonia's aspirations for EU membership, reads the press release. ssh/ik/

Photo: President's Office