site.btaNorth Macedonia's PM Addresses ABNA-SE General Assembly in Skopje

The Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, addressed participants in the annual General Assembly of the Association of the Balkan News Agencies - Southeast Europe (ABNA - SE) in Skopje on Wednesday. The event is hosted by the country’s news agency, MIA. ABNA-SE is headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, at the offices of the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).

"Today, more than ever, the media are a pillar of democratic societies. They not only inform but also inspire, unite and create a climate of prosperity. In times of economic and social challenges, when citizens seek security and hope, it is the media that can convey a vision, explain reforms, and encourage public debate. The truth must be valued above any political power," Mickoski said. He added that the government of North Macedonia encourages debate and is committed to ensuring the media remain free from pressure.

In his words, the exchange of information among Balkan news agencies is yielding results.

"When our citizens hear positive news from neighboring countries, prejudices are broken down and friendships are cultivated. Disinformation and unfounded criticism are now the biggest challenges not only for the media but also for democracy itself. Journalists often say that news is the first version of history. I would add that real news is also the foundation of trust in the future. Let this conference be another sign that our societies are choosing the path of dialogue, cooperation, and truth," North Macedonia’s Prime Minister said. He added that the media have the power to turn mistrust into hope and respect.

The General Assembly of ABNA-SE was preceded by a conference on truth in the media, attended by the directors general and representatives of BTA, Albania’s ATA, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s FENA, Greece’s ANA-MPA, Italy’s ANSA, Cyprus’s CNA, Turkiye’s Anadolu Agency, Croatia’s HINA, and the host agency MIA, whose Director General, Darko Janevski, opened Wednesday’s meeting.