Skopje, 21 December 2021 (MIA) – We’re committed to North Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and hope its obstacles will soon be removed. North Macedonia has sealed its goal by joining NATO and will undoubtedly have a future in the European Union. Turkey strongly supports the progress of North Macedonia’s EU accession process, Mustafa Şentop, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, said during his address at Parliament’s 58th session. Şentop extended congratulations over the country’s 30th independence anniversary and stressed commitment to the coexistence of different faiths and cultures. Strong friendship between Turkey and North Macedonia, he added, is based on interpersonal relations. “You favored a policy that ensured peace, stability and prosperity in the Balkans. You were always on the side of good-neighborly relations and building shared interests. This reasonable and resolute position of the Macedonian Parliament and citizens deserves all the praise,” Şentop stressed. “I’m convinced that the parliamentary dimension of our bilateral relations will continue to play an important role in strengthening cooperation between our countries and citizens. In times when parliamentary diplomacy takes on new roles, regular bilateral meetings between our Parliaments are satisfactory. I believe that close cooperation within parliamentary organizations will help us achieve the shared interests of our countries,” Şentop said, adding need to enhance relations between parliamentary groups on friendship, expert commissions and administrative services. He told MPs that Turkish entrepreneurs are often encouraged to make use of opportunities offered by North Macedonia. “Turkish companies have realized a series of major projects and investments in North Macedonia, successfully representing the country. The total value of investments stands at USD 1.3 billion and ensured opening of over 5,000 new jobs. Our construction companies actively take part in projects in various sectors in North Macedonia,” Şentop noted, underlining the need to strengthen dialogue, cooperation and solidarity. Moreover, he briefed MPs that the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has implemented several projects in North Macedonia in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture and culture. The Speaker added that in the future, Turkey will also share experiences in the education sector and continue to offer support over training and modernization of the armed forces. In his address, Şentop also talked about the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that Turkey provided medical assistance to many countries, including North Macedonia. Turkey, he noted, is at the final stages of developing its own vaccine, TURKOVAC, which it will share with North Macedonia. “Turkey is committed to assisting the revival of North Macedonia’s infrastructure, energy and economy sectors, as well as the health, education, culture and art ones. This is our obligation, stemming from deep relations and friendship,” underlined the Speaker. Şentop also congratulated Turkish Language Day to the Turkish community in North Macedonia. After the session, Şentop met with Macedonian counterpart Talat Xhaferi. During his visit to North Macedonia on Tuesday, he’s also set to meet with President Stevo Pendarovski.