site.btaNorth Macedonia's EU Path Discussed during German Foreign Minister's Skopje Visit

North Macedonia's EU integration was among the topics of discussion during a Skopje visit by Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. He arrived in North Macedonia late on Tuesday night as the final stop in his tour of the Western Balkans. After Wadephul's meetings with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski, there were no statements to the media.

Local media quoted Wadephul as writing on Instagram after his meetings: "Here in Skopje, the prospect of future accession to the EU is a major topic. Germany supports North Macedonia on this not always easy path. North Macedonia has already achieved a lot. Now, progress in relations with Bulgaria is particularly important so that it can make further advances in the accession process."

For his part, Mucunski wrote on his Facebook profile that the meeting had focused on the country's path to European integration, the reform processes, and Germany's support for the European integration of the Western Balkan countries.

Mucunski wrote: "Together we welcomed the intensive political dialogue and the excellent bilateral relations that we have been building for more than three decades. They provide a solid basis for further deepening of cooperation and for developing new forms of partnership. Minister Wadephul once again confirmed that Germany remains a strong supporter of the Western Balkan countries, stressing that the region's European integration represents the strongest guarantee of long-term stability, peace and prosperity in Europe."

Also writing on Facebook, Prime Minister Mickoski said that the sides discussed the deepening of cooperation between the two countries, current regional challenges and opportunities for new joint initiatives," said the brief statement on the Facebook profile of the country's Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.