Ljubljana, 18 May 2026 (MIA) – The future of North Macedonia is in the European Union. We welcome the country’s current reform efforts and it aligning with the security policy. Slovenia remains a strong and sincere supporter of EU’s enlargement with the Western Balkans. We believe it means better security, better political stability of the region, accelerated development of the countries in the region and stronger and better-connected Europe, Slovenian President Natasha Pirc Musar said Monday after a meeting with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Pirc Musar and Siljanovska-Davkova said that their countries’ relations are excellent, Slovenia and Macedonia, they said, for three decades have been successfully fostering cooperation in the economy, culture, education, defense, law enforcement, etc. However, they concluded, there is room to enhance it. 

In addition to bilateral relations and the Macedonian European integration bid, the two presidents also discussed current geopolitical trends and the security architecture of the Western Balkans and NATO’s role through the prism of joint commitments to multilateral order and the European political project.

Siljanovska-Davkova said the credibility and integrity of the European integration process depend on the consistent application of the Copenhagen criteria in relation to the rule of law, institutional stability, human and minority rights, market economy and the capability to meet commitments stemming from membership in the bloc. 

“We spent the most time talking about North Macedonia’s European future. Slovenia remains a strong and sincere supporter of EU’s enlargement with the Western Balkans. We believe it means better security, better political stability of the region, accelerated development of the countries in the region and stronger and better-connected Europe. The future of North Macedonia is in the European Union. We welcome the country’s current reform efforts and it aligning with the security policy. We know the steps leading to accession negotiations are hard, but we offer support to Macedonia. Slovenia will remain in the future at the disposal of North Macedonia to share experience and technical assistance, mainly in the areas of reforms in the public administration and public finances,” stressed Pirc Musar. 

According to her, today’s talks were a confirmation that the countries foster high mutual trust and joint willingness to further enhance the excellent bilateral ties.

“It’s a visit by a friendly country fostering close, sincere and years-long relations with Slovenia. The talks mostly focused on economic cooperation. Macedonia remains a key and perspective partner of the Slovenian economy. 2025 recorded a total trade of 442 million euros, which affirms the positive trend for further growth. There are great opportunities, especially in agriculture, renewable energy sources, digitization and eco and spa tourism. To further strengthen the economic cooperation, it’s vital to secure a stable and predictable business environment, legal security of the investors, efficient administrative and court proceedings as well as a transparent regulatory framework,” said the Slovenian head of state. 

The two presidents also discussed the state of play in the region and wider international issues.

“We agreed that dialogue, respect of international law and constructive relations between the countries play a vital role in peace, stability and development. Slovenia advocates for respect of international law and the principles of the United Nations charter. Thus, I stressed the importance of transparent and exclusive process to elect the new UN secretary general. This election is of special importance because there is a strong international support for a woman to be elected secretary general. We agreed it is truly time in the rich history of more than 80 years of the United Nations for it to happen – a female secretary general of this organization to have her first speech,” said Pirc Musar. 

The visit to Slovenia takes place in the year when the two countries are marking 35 years since declaring independence, Siljanovska-Davkova noted.

But, she added, there is also a personal dimension. “My PhD experience is linked to Ljubljana. That’s why I’ve been calling Slovenia my second dežela [homeland]. Slovenia is without a doubt our friendly country and also Slovenia is an inspirational example of how a small country with stable institutions, rule of law and democratic participative political culture has been building a functioning and integrated European society. We confirmed today bilateral relations are excellent with potential to strengthen cooperation in business, education, science, culture and tourism. Even though Slovenia is one of the most important investors in my country, especially in energy and green transition, I believe there is room for more investments and exchange of goods. I want to note that the Skopje-Ljubljana direct flight, which I took to come here, will further contribute to relativizing distance, or to increasing closeness,” said the Macedonian President. 

At the start of her visit to Slovenia, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova earlier today was welcomed by Slovenian counterpart Nataša Pirc Musar with full state and military honors.

Siljanovska Davkova is also scheduled to meet with Slovenia's Parliament Speaker Zoran Stevanović.

As part of the visit, the Macedonian president will lay a wreath at the Monument to the Victims of All Wars.

During her trip on Sunday, Siljanovska Davkova visited the St. Clement of Ohrid Macedonian Orthodox Church in Ljubljana and met with leaders of local Macedonian cultural and church groups. She also met with members of the Macedonian diaspora community in Slovenia working in science, culture and medicine.

In addition, President Siljanovska Davkova held a meeting with Slovenian-Macedonian Business Club members before visiting the Macedonian cultural association in Kranj.

On Tuesday, the President will give a lecture at the University of Ljubljana’s Faculty of Law on the constitutional changes required for the country's European Union membership.

Photo: President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova's FB account