The President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, called on North Macedonia to unite and adopt constitutional amendments for the country’s European future, Anadolia reports.
After the meeting with the President of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski, Pirc Musar stated that she has special feelings for that country, pointing out that she worked in Skopje for more than six months 10 years ago.
The Slovenian president pointed out that the focus of the conversation with Pendarovski was also the process of European integration of North Macedonia. She recalled that the path to full membership in the EU was not easy for her country either.
“Let me point out that Slovenia also had to change its Constitution. Even then in my homeland you could hear that it was not good for the Slovenian people, that the Slovenian language would be lost. We changed the article in the Constitution that enabled citizens of the European Union to buy and they own property,” said Pirc Musar.
She said that Slovenia will always stand by North Macedonia and provide it with the necessary support.
“Slovenia has invested around 40 million euros in the education of Macedonian citizens in the last ten years. Many Macedonians study in Slovenia for free, I will commit myself to continuing this,” said Pirc Musar.
She added that Slovenia and North Macedonia cooperate in many fields, including cooperation within NATO.
The Slovenian president expressed satisfaction with the economic cooperation, adding that Slovenian companies in North Macedonia employ around three thousand people.
The President of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski, said that he discussed with the Slovenian delegation about bilateral cooperation, economic relations, European integration of North Macedonia, as well as the situation in the region and on the European continent.
“Slovenia has been our important partner in the implementation of European reforms for years. I received a guarantee from the Slovenian president that this support will continue with professional and political support, while Slovenia will remain a promoter of European integration,” said Pendarovski.
When it comes to economic cooperation, Pendarovski said that Slovenia has been an important partner and investor for years.
“Last year, the total trade exchange reached more than 280 million euros, with an increase of more than 40 million euros compared to 2021. Economic cooperation is constantly increasing, but in order to increase the trade exchange by half a billion euros per year, we agreed to economic cooperation will be deepened in the field of services and foreign direct investments”, said Pendarovski.
As part of her visit to Skopje, the Slovenian president will also meet with the Speaker of the Assembly Talat Xhaferi and Prime Minister Dimitra Kovačevski, and she is also scheduled to address the ceremonial session in the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia.
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