Istanbul, 28 February 2025 (MIA) - The signing of a political declaration for the establishment of a High Level Cooperation Council between Türkiye and North Macedonia is a very significant step with which we can elevate the relations between our two countries even higher in trade and the economy, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a joint press conference Friday with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.

Erdoğan said the aim of the document is to boost economic and trade exchange, which stood at around EUR 1 billion in 2024.

“Last year we had a trade exchange of one billion dollars, which we should double at the first opportunity. The two countries have a Free Trade Agreement that needs to be revised. Today we especially touched upon the relations we have in defense and the defense industry. Türkiye is one of the first countries that recognized North Macedonia’s independence. As our partner in NATO, we are two friendly countries that directly affect the preservation of peace in the Balkans. Our relations of over 30 years are as strong as Skopje’s Stone Bridge,” Erdoğan said.

The Turkish President highlighted the significance of the Turkish community in North Macedonia for the close relations between the two countries.

“The Balkans should not be seen as a place for competition between nations. On the contrary, it should be a field for joint cooperation and development. The most important thing that links the two countries are the Turks that live there and their community in North Macedonia,” President Erdoğan said.

The Turkish President said he noted to the Prime Minister that the friendship between the two countries “is under pressure by FETO and we must fight them together”.

Mickoski and Erdoğan also spoke about regional and global developments. The Turkish President said both countries share a position about a two-state solution to the conflict in Palestine. He also stressed that for Türkiye, it is important the conflict in Ukraine is resolved through negotiations.

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