Skopje, 31 July 2022 (MIA) – North Macedonia is in Europe, both geographically and historically, and now you are a step closer to your desired goal. You can count on Spain’s support in your next steps towards EU membership. We support you and will continue to support you, said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Skopje on Sunday. PM Sanchez said the visit to the region was symbolic because of two reasons – unblocking of the process for the start of North Macedonia and Albania’s EU accession negotiations, and unity against Putin’s brutal aggression in Ukraine. “Let me thank you for your broad-mindedness and responsibility, putting the future of your country and the European vision ahead of any other interest. You made the right choice, unblocking the path that has led North Macedonia to the place where it should be,” Sanchez told a joint press conference with host Dimitar Kovachevski. He said Spain’s experience with EU accession reforms shows it is always worth to be part of the European and political project EU. “I am certain North Macedonia will soon be part of it,” said Sanchez. We are two countries from the south of Europe, he added, and we have common interests and values. PM Kovachevski said today’s visit is a symbol of almost 30-year excellent bilateral relations, expressing gratitude over Spain’s strong support to North Macedonia’s EU accession. “As we start the negotiations, our identity, our uniqueness, what is Macedonian will remain authentic within the EU, but also enrich the delicate European identity,” said Kovachevski. We live the European slogan every day, said the PM, and the country’s multicultural, multiethnic society is united in diversities and proud of it. “We are ready for the EU and firmly move forward towards full-fledged membership. This is a process that we will not back from because our place is in the EU. We have closed one chapter and open a new one – the European – where we share the European future with our friends, Spain being one,” said Kovachevski. Sanchez’s visit to Skopje is part of his Western Balkans tour that also includes Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania.