Skopje, 6 March 2025 (MIA) - Speaking at Thursday's joint press conference with the Speaker of the Macedonian Parliament Afrim Gashi, Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković said the country has Croatia's support to continue to persevere on the European integration path and to resolve the obstacles, adding that it is good to achieve alliance within NATO and the EU. 

"Achieving an even deeper partnership and friendship between our countries is good for both our peoples. As Speaker Gashi said, the Republic of Croatia is a strong supporter of the Republic of North Macedonia. I know that you are facing problems. I know that your NATO membership was filled with obstacles, and that you are still facing certain obstacles on the path to the EU. I can say that EU membership has geopolitical significance. It brings security. Of course, your country will have to go through a process of reforms on that path, which is good, Croatia has also been through that," said Jandroković.

I encourage you, the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament stressed, to continue on that path, to do your best because it will be for the benefit of the country.

"The reforms have brought many positive effects in society. We have investments, employment levels have increased. We have the most positive social changes. And that is why I encourage you to continue on that path, to do your best because it will be for the benefit of the country. It will ensure better economy and better standard of living. Regardless of the obstacles that are sometimes unfair, you have our support on that path," he said.

Jandroković pointed out that the political relations between the two countries are excellent, as is the economic cooperation, noting that the trade between the two countries is constantly growing.

"I can also say that the relations between our two peoples are truly friendly. There is always partnership, friendship, sympathy, because we are bound by historical ties. This meeting is very important not only for the development of bilateral cooperation, but also for parliamentary cooperation, and I hope that this meeting will give positive dynamics to further relations," said Jandroković.

Speaker Gashi noted that the meeting focused on strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation through the joint parliamentary groups in both legislative houses. The exchange of experience, ideas and the identification of areas for cooperation, he added, are key steps in strengthening the ties.

"Croatia has been and remains a strong and consistent supporter of our country's European perspective. I strongly believe that Croatia is an example we can learn from in terms of how to implement reforms and the integration process in the EU. I would like to remind you that the two countries signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU in the same year, and today Croatia has been a full-fledged member for 12 years, while unfortunately, North Macedonia is lagging behind in this process due to well-known obstacles. We are aware that there is still work to be done, reforms to be implemented and issues to be resolved. But with allies like Croatia and others in the EU, we believe that this process will be successful for us, just as it was for Croatia. The Reform Agenda and the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans are important and encouraging elements that testify to the EU's commitment to supporting our integration and the countries in the region," said Gashi. 

This meeting, Gashi added, was also an excellent opportunity to reaffirm that our alliance is even stronger through the cooperation within NATO, where our countries actively participate in missions to preserve peace and security, as shared democratic values.

"Within this commitment, we agreed that our integration in the EU is not only an aspiration and a need for internal development, but also a geopolitical necessity, especially given the tensions and the Russian aggression against Ukraine. I believe that our path towards the EU is an instrument for ensuring stability and peace in the region. We looked into the possibilities for cooperation in various areas such as economy, culture and multilateral cooperation. We agreed that we will continue to be loyal partners at the regional and international levels. Croatia's support for North Macedonia, both in the EU integration process and in every other area, is invaluable and of crucial importance for us," Gashi pointed out.

Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković addressed the Macedonian Parliament after the press conference.

Photo: MIA