Skopje, 29 August 2024 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova received Thursday the credentials of the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Özlem Canel, at a ceremony held in Villa Biljana in Ohrid.

The President thanked for the consistent assistance provided by the Netherlands “as one of the biggest donors and a strong supporter of the country’s European process”.

“The Netherlands has been continuously aiding our reforms in the judiciary, rule of law and public administration so that we ensure strong and independent institutions, which are the pillar of every European democracy. The Dutch ‘strict but fair’ principle has shown to be an excellent formula for a thorough implementation of the reform agenda and the fulfillment of European standards in our country,” Siljanovska-Davkova.

Noting that the country assigns great importance to the firm partner relations nurtured within NATO as well, “especially at a time of serious global security challenges and geopolitical restructuring”, the President stressed that the country remains committed to the realization of its strategic priorities, voicing her conviction that the European and Euro-Atlantic perspectives serve as a guarantee for prosperity, stability and well-being of the entire region and Europe.

In her address at the ceremony, Ambassador Canel said she is honored to serve as ambassador to the country and contribute to the excellent and special relations between the two countries and peoples. 

The Dutch Ambassador stressed that the stability and security of the Western Balkan region will continue to be of key importance for the Netherlands, while regarding the fulfillment of the country’s strategic goal – membership into the European Union, the Ambassador said the Netherlands will continue to expect strict compliance with the Copenhagen Criteria before accession, and that there is no room for concessions or shortcuts.

“Progress in the field of rule of law, economic criteria and public administration reform will continue to determine the speed of accession talks individually for each candidate country. The task that lies ahead requires responsibility, dedication and visible results from your side. Only then can the support for the reforms provided by the EU and the Netherlands have permanent results,” Ambassador Canel said. 

Photo: President's Office