Skopje, 13 June 2023 (MIA) - Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi met Tuesday with the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, who is paying an official visit to North Macedonia.

Speaker Xhaferi highlighted the excellent three-decade long bilateral relations between the two countries and the dynamic meetings at all levels as the greatest confirmation of the mutual desire for close ties between North Macedonia and Slovenia, the Parliament said in a press release.

"Slovenia's support and gratitude, as a long-standing partner and ally of our Euro-Atlantic integrations as well as a significant contributor of help during times of need, was particularly emphasized. Congratulations were extended for Slovenia being elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2024–2025 term, and the possibility for greater presence of small countries and their contribution to finding solutions for current challenges facing the world. Speaker Xhaferi also briefed his interlocutor on the ongoing preparations for the constitutional amendments, the screening process, and the current activities to help and support Ukraine as part of the obligations as NATO members," the press release reads.
 

President Pirc Musar thanked for the warm welcome in the Parliament, and stressed that North Macedonia belongs in the EU, and Slovenia's support will continue even after the EU integration with the same intensity as before.

"President Pirc Musar expressed understanding of regional developments, as well as the concessions North Macedonia had to make for the NATO membership, and starting EU negotiations. She noted that the EU accession process brings many challenges, which even Slovenia has experienced, but it is important to use this moment to make dutiful decisions that will benefit future generations," the press release adds.

The interlocutors welcomed the opportunities young people in North Macedonia have to study at Slovenian universities under the same conditions as Slovenian citizens, and the potentials that exist on an economic level that should be used as much as possible in the future. ssh/nn/

Photo: Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia