Skopje, 29 March 2023 (MIA) - Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen told MPs on Wednesday it is up to them when the country starts the next steps in negotiations with the EU and how quickly it will go through them. Austria, he added, will be a close ally.

"Although it took a long time, the path to European integration has been paved. It is up to you, honorable ladies and gentlemen of Parliament, when you start the appropriate steps and how quickly you go through that path. I can assure you that Austria, just like in the past, will also be a close ally standing by North Macedonia in the future," said Van der Bellen.  

He stressed that Austria upheld that negotiations for North Macedonia and Albania to finally begin, and that many EU initiatives be available to both countries before formal membership in the Union.

"For almost 20 years, the train to Brussels was stalled at the railway station in Skopje, but since July 2022 the signals finally show the green light, and for that I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart. North Macedonia deserves this trip," Van der Bellen said.

The screening process train has already left for Brussels and is well on its way, but the movement of the train to Brussels doesn't depend only on the signal, but the constant energy, and the Government and the Parliament of the North Macedonia should provide that energy, said the Austrian President.

Addressing the MPs, he said he wants to urge them and encourage them to remain motivated and focused, and continue convincing partners in the EU with concrete results.

Austrian President Van der Bellen noted that North Macedonia deserved international recognition and respect with the Prespa Agreement, while earlier with the Ohrid Framework Agreement the country became an example in the region of successful coexistence, linguistic and religious diversity.

"In order for the enlargement process to continue, a visible sign to reaffirm such diversity is now needed in the form of a change to the Constitution. I want to say clearly, I do not believe it is realistic that the agreement of July 2022 will be negotiated once again," said the Austrian President.

"The path to Europe is worth it," he added, "and that's why it's worth taking the next step, which isn't easy."

He spoke to the MPs of the Austrian experience and identity issues Austria had before joining the EU. His message is not to worry, because the Macedonian language and the languages ​​spoken in the country will remain undamaged in the process.

"The EU stands for equality in diversity. So peace, freedom, well-being should be enjoyed by all citizens of the Union, who have different cultures and speak different languages," he said.

A swift integration process, according to him, requires a functioning parliament and national consent. Van der Bellen addressed the opposition, pointing out that the temptation is great to use all means so that the majority cannot implement its ideas, but the essence of democracy is, despite ideological and other differences, not to divide the country, but to cooperate constructively. Compromise, he pointed out, is the cornerstone of democracy.

"It is a great honor for Austria and for me to be able to address you in the Parliament. I consider this a sign of respect for the extraordinary relations between North Macedonia and Austria," said Van der Bellen, who is paying an official visit to North Macedonia accompanied by his wife Doris Schmidauer, First Lady of Austria.

He pointed out that the two countries maintain close political contacts and highlighted the good relations between the Parliaments. "Today's signing of the agreement by the two ministers of justice will intensify the cooperation," said Van der Bellen.

Austria and North Macedonia, he noted, have good economic relations, but they must be even better.

"I'm glad to be joined by representatives of 25 enterprises in several areas, services, green energy, agriculture... this shows the great interest in your country," said Van der Bellen.

President Stevo Pendarovski, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives of the religious communities and the judiciary attended Van der Bellen address in Parliament.

Earlier on Wednesday President Stevo Pendarovski welcomed his Austrian counterpart Van der Bellen with highest state and military honors.

"Don't lose sight of the goal, let's work together for sooner accession of North Macedonia in the EU. Austria remains your reliable partner," Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen told a joint press conference with his host, President Stevo Pendarovski, on Wednesday.