Skopje, 6 June 2023 (MIA) - Civil society is a significant stakeholder in all societal processes and it is important to count on them when it comes to EU affairs, said Spanish Ambassador José Luis Lozano García during the first North Macedonia-Spain think-tank forum "Thinking and Working Together" organized by the Prespa Institute, jointly initiated with the Elcano Royal Institute from Madrid.

Ambassador Lozano García said the forum would stimulate bilateral relations, adding that the visits of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno to Skopje served as affirmation of Spain's support to North Macedonia's European path.

"In fact, last year's visit of PM Sanchez was the first of a foreign statesman after the opening of North Macedonia's EU accession negotiations, whereas FM Albares Bueno's visit ahead of this year's Spanish EU Presidency demonstrates Madrid's interest to strengthen cooperation with North Macedonia, not only in bilateral terms but also in supporting its European path," noted Lozano Garcia.

Prespa Institute Executive Director Andreja Stojkovski said think-tanks, researchers and analysts have shared their positions over the past two days of the forum.

"I believe there is much room for the involvement of the Elcano Royal Institute in promoting the Macedonian case, the accession process, the reforms and the future expectations. I hope they will play a more active role. I expect this forum to be the start of cooperation between think tanks and expect that cooperation will be established among organizations in the second half of the year," said Stojkovski.

Photo: MIA archive