Skopje, 9 April 2025 (MIA) - Slovenia remains a strong supporter of North Macedonia on its Euro-Atlantic path, Slovenian National Assembly Speaker, Urška Klakočar Zupančič, said at Wednesday’s joint press conference following her meeting with the Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi.

Klakočar Zupančič highlighted that during the meeting with Speaker Gashi, they confirmed the excellent relations between our countries, based primarily on friendship and mutual solidarity.

"The countries are very close partners, with cooperation based on shared values and mutual partnership. Slovenia has been and remains a strong supporter of North Macedonia on its Euro-Atlantic path, encouraging initiatives for achieving a suitable economic area and an appropriate, just legislative framework, as these are two key elements of our cooperation. I am confident that this will be highlighted during our meetings within the framework of this visit. I believe we will find additional opportunities to strengthen cooperation between our countries," Klakočar Zupančič said.

Klakočar Zupančič emphasized her belief in the increasing role of parliamentary democracy and stated that regular meetings between parliaments are crucial in fostering and developing relationships.

Gashi expressed his appreciation to Slovenia, highlighting that it remains a strong and unwavering supporter of North Macedonia's EU integration aspirations.

"The political contribution (such as the Brdo-Brijuni process and the 2023 "non-paper") and Slovenia's technical support in strengthening administrative capacities to align our legislation with EU standards have confirmed the successful cooperation between our institutions and Slovenia's sincere commitment to EU enlargement in the Western Balkans," Gashi said, noting that this moment is an important step in strengthening interparliamentary relations and deepening diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Gashi emphasized that the meeting reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations between the Republic of North Macedonia and Slovenia, which, as he noted, have always been strong, based on sincere friendship, multidimensional cooperation, unwavering support, and continuous commitment to strengthening the ties between our citizens.

Photo: MIA