Skopje, 22 October 2025 (MIA) – Bilateral development cooperation, considered one of the most vital pillars of the strategic partnership between North Macedonia and the United Kingdom, and topical political development in the Western Balkans and the importance of the Berlin Process as a key political and development framework to enhance regional cooperation was the focal point of the bilateral meeting of the Minister of European Affairs, Orhan Murtezani, with Stephen Doughty, UK’s Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories. The meeting was held in London of the sidelines of the high-level Western Balkans conference as part of the Berlin Process.

Doughty reaffirmed UK’s commitment to the stability, development and European perspective of North Macedonia and the region, saying that his country despite having left the EU remains a strong supporter of the European integration bid of the Western Balkans. He welcomed the dynamic of the country’s reforms processes and reaffirmed readiness to further expand the partnership, including in infrastructure, energy security and digital transformation. 

Murtezani and Doughty concluded that the strategic partnership constitutes a new chapter in bilateral relations allowing the political dialogue, joint projects and coordinated activities within NATO, the Berlin Process and the European integration initiatives to be strengthened further.

The meeting, said the Ministry of European Affairs, served as an opportunity to reaffirm the United Kingdom’s continuing support for North Macedonia in the EU integration process and to expand cooperation as part of the countries’ strategic partnership.

Murtezani and Doughty shared views on topical political developments in the region and the importance of the Berlin Process, being a key political and development framework, which for a decade has been contributing to strengthening regional cooperation, economic connectivity and alignment with European standards. Minister Murtezani emphasized the importance of this initiative as a mechanism offering concrete projects in infrastructure, energy transition, the green agenda, digital connectivity and social cohesion, saying that North Macedonia remains firmly committed to the goals of the Berlin Process and the European future of the entire region.

In the meeting, Murtezani thanked for the continuing British support, which in the past decade has resulted in over 160 projects implemented, funded by the British government in areas including good governance, public administration, and the rule of law as well as promotion of multiculturalism and inclusion. At the same time, the successful cooperation as part of the TWINNING projects with British partners in the field of police reform, state aid control and strengthening institutional capacities for equality and fair representation was highlighted. The minister noted that UK’s support in times of crises, such as during the migrant crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, is proof of the lasting friendship and partnership between the two countries, said the press release. 

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs