Skopje, 15 January 2025 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova met Wednesday with Norway's Special Representative for the Western Balkans, Eirik Nestås Mathisen, discussing the countries' activities as NATO allies and Norway's continued support to the Macedonian Euro-integration processes.

President Siljanovska Davkova said the country has always been part of Europe from a geographical, historical and cultural standpoint, and its European Union accession can be seen as a form of reintegration. Siljanovska Davkova highlighted that the country has done a lot, even changed its constitutional name, while also noting on the need to respect the citizens' will and to demonstrate political dignity. Furthermore, she referred to the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty, the Charter of Fundamental Rights and other relevant documents that guarantee the national and cultural identity, as well as equality of states, the President's Office said in a press release.

The President said the country's Constitution guarantees comprehensive protection of minority rights and qualified the bilateralization of the EU accession process as "a dangerous precedent".

Siljanovska Davkova also voiced her personal interest in Norwegian literature, philosophy and art, saying that Norwegian democracy is an inspirational political system. She expressed satisfaction from the fact that the two countries have fostered excellent bilateral relations for more than three decades, and expects the cooperation to strengthen in all fields of mutual interest, especially in the economic sector.

Envoy Mathisen said that although Norway is not a member of the EU, "it fully understands our positions".

Mathisen said commitment to the principles of international law and multilateralism is more important than ever, in a time when the world is facing fresh challenges, reads the press release.

Photo: President's Office