Skopje, 10 September 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski addressed an event held in Strasbourg on occasion of Independence Day and the 30th anniversary of North Macedonia's membership in the Council of Europe.

FM Mucunski referred to the significance of the referendum held on 8 September 1991, when Macedonian citizens overwhelmingly supported an independent and sovereign state, an ages-long aspiration of the Macedonian people for its own homeland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said in a press release.

"As a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe and NATO, we actively contribute to global peace and security. We continue to fight organized crime and trafficking in humans and narcotics - areas recognized and valued by international partners," said Mucunski.

The FM also highlighted the role played by the Council of Europe.

"In 2025, we are observing the 30th anniversary of our accession to the CoE - an organization that was and remains to serve as a vital partner in the support of our democratic development, progress in legal reforms and institutional strengthening. We are proud of the deep, dynamic and productive cooperation that is a testament of the comprehensive and strategically important relations," added Mucunski.

In addition, Mucunski spoke about the European prospects and contribution to European stability.

"Our path to full-fledged European Union membership continues with commitment and hope. We are ready to contribute, as equals, to the stability, prosperity and shared values of the Union. We are not just a young European democracy - we are a nation with rich history, strong spirit and clear vision for the future," underlined FM Mucunski.

Photo: MFAFT