Skopje, 17 June 2026 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski met Wednesday in Dublin with Ireland's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Helen McEntee, with both reaffirming the excellent bilateral relations and the joint commitment for further enhancement of the political, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Discussions focused on the European integration process, in light of the Irish EU Presidency that is set to begin on July 1. FM Mucunski expressed gratitude for the principled and continued Irish support to the enlargement process and the country's European aspirations. He also highlighted the Government's firm commitment for continuation of the reform process and progress on the European path, while highlighting that EU membership remains a strategic goal and generator of democratic, economic and societal development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said in a press release.

Interlocutors exchanged opinions on current regional and global affairs, noting that in time of rising geopolitical and security challenges, Europe needs unity, solidarity and close cooperation more than ever.

During the visit, Mucunski also met with the chair and members of the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs of both houses of the Irish Parliament, discussing the current state of play in the Euro-integration process.

The FM stressed the Government's comitment to the implementation of reforms, primarily in the fields of rule of law, fight against corruption and institutional strengthening.

Mucunski noted that a credible enlargement process based on merits and the Copenhagen criteria are important in maintaining the credibility of the European Union and its transformational power in the region, reads the press release.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade