Skopje, 29 June 2023 (MIA) – The Royal Norwegian Consulate was officially opened in Skopje on Thursday, in the premises of pharmaceutical company Alkaloid, with its CEO Zhivko Mukaetov appointed as honorary consul in North Macedonia.

The official opening was attended by Government ministers, representatives from the business community, the diplomatic corps, friends and business associates.

State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eivind Vad Petersson, referred to the 30th anniversary since the establishment of bilateral cooperation between North Macedonia and Norway and said the three-decade long friendship between the two countries has been filled with diverse cooperation, while praising North Macedonia's efforts in the OSCE Chairmanship and as NATO member.

Petersson also emphasized their support over North Macedonia's EU membership, and pointed out that Norway is the biggest bilateral donor to the Western Balkans Investment Framework, which in 2019 supported 29 projects in North Macedonia worth EUR 2.6 million which resulted in new job openings, and improved services in the fields of education and health.

"I can give many examples showing that Norway and North Macedonia have a long history of cooperation based on mutual respect and shared values. Let's continue to nurture this relationship through dialogue and understanding. Norway is a strong ally and partner to North Macedonia and supports your path, the path of your nation towards European integration, and will continue to nurture sustainable development in different areas. Together we fight for peace, stability and prosperity, not only on our borders but globally. Our strength lies in unity, and we can achieve progress through joint efforts," said Petersson and wished Mukaetov success as a stakeholder in the future cooperation between the two countries.

Mukaetov said it was an honor being an honorary consul to Norway and noted that he will be completely dedicated to promoting the cooperation between Norway and North Macedonia.

"My team and I will do everything to promote Norway and the bilateral cooperation between the two countries as NATO allies," the honorary consul added.

Mukaetov has also been Consul General to Denmark for 16 years. ssh/ik/