Skopje, 29 June 2026 (MIA) — President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova met Monday with Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.

According to an official press release, Siljanovska Davkova and Budrys welcomed the opening of Lithuania's new diplomatic office in Skopje and the Macedonian government’s decision to open an embassy in Vilnius, which is expected to boost political dialogue, increase trade and cultural exchange and strengthen overall ties between the two countries.

The president also said there was great potential for bilateral cooperation in the areas of information technology, cybersecurity, education and innovation, the release said.

Ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, Siljanovska Davkova reaffirmed the country’s committment to contributing to international security and stability.

She thanked Lithuania for its ongoing, principled support on the Macedonian path to EU membership, especially through its role in the Friends of Enlargement group.

According to the release, the president expressed her expectation that Lithuania, when it takes over the EU Council Presidency in 2027, will advocate for a fair and predictable EU membership process based on the Copenhagen criteria.

At the meeting, Siljanovska Davkova pointed out that allowing bilateral disputes over identity issues to block EU membership set a dangerous precedent that could destroy the EU's enlargement policy. 

According to Minister Budrys, current global politics demand accelerating EU enlargement.

Budrys praised the country’s reform progress so far, adding that EU enlargement would be a top priority when Lithuania takes over the presidency.

They both agreed on the importance of the Western Balkans’ integration into the EU for Europe's overall security and geopolitical stability. mr/