Skopje, 12 October 2024 (MIA) – President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova met Saturday in Ohrid with Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General holding the post of High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).

In the meeting with Moratinos, a former foreign minister of Spain who was involved in the enlargement process, it was agreed that the Macedonian EU integration process should be in the frameworks of the Copenhagen criteria and the EU’s fundamental documents, while it shouldn’t be based on bilateral and historical issues, the President’s press office said. 

“The interlocutors agreed that it is high time that the Macedonian citizens became part of the European family and the Western Balkans integrated into the EU, thus allowing the EU to win stronger support and increase its influence in the multipolar world,” said the press release. 

Talks also focused on the importance of promoting intercultural and inter-religious dialogue as a tool to prevent conflicts and promoting social cohesion. President Siljanovska Davkova highlighted the commitment of our country to multilateralism and to the work of the Alliance of Civilizations promoting regional stability, said the press release. 

Siljanovska Davkova and Moratinos shared views and information on the UN’s Alliance of Civilizations, by implementing policies that promote social cohesion and cultural inclusivity.

“Siljanovska Davkova noted the potential of youth forums, exchange programs and leadership trainings as a way to promote intercultural respect and understanding all the while highlighting the role of digital diplomacy,” said the press release. 

Miguel Ángel Moratinos is in the country to participate in the Forum for Cultural Diplomacy. Organized by the School for Young Leaders, it was held under the auspices of former president Gjorge Ivanov, who also attended the meeting. 

Photo: President's press office