Skopje, 4 October 2024 (MIA) - Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi and several MPs continued Friday the official visit to the Republic of Türkiye by attending the opening day of the academic year at the Marmara University in Istanbul, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country.

Speaker Gashi delivered a lecture focusing on North Macedonia-Turkey relations from a historic and political standpoint, and global developments, the Parliament said in a press release.

Gashi referred to the common geography and history, education, culture and nation building, the joint geopolitical prospects and the world's future. He expressed belief that the Balkans will reunite not only in terms of geography but as a place unifying civilizations, cultures and religions in the broader aspect, governed by peace, security and well-being.

The Speaker noted that North Macedonia serves as an example of coexistence in the region, building a state and a society through diversity and unity.

The meeting with the board of foreign economic relations Turkey-North Macedonia discussed the opportunities for enhancement of bilateral economic cooperation, upon the model of excellent political ties.

Gashi said state institutions do everything in their power to facilitate economic cooperation, which benefits from geographic proximity, good infrastructure networks and direct flights between the two countries. Interlocutors expect interest of Turkish companies to invest in North Macedonia to enlarge, reaffirming the countries' commitment for increased trade exchange.

The Parliament delegation also met with Macedonian nationals living in Istanbul, with Gashi saying that emigrants represent a significant link in the solid friendship and excellent ties, reads the press release.

Photo: Parliament