Skopje, 20 June 2022 (MIA) – Finland’s position is very clear, we support enlargement and our position regarding North Macedonia and Albania is very clear – we want to see progress, we want to see both countries join the EU as member-states in the future and we must make progress in the issue, said visiting Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Monday. PM Marin told a joint press conference with North Macedonia’s counterpart Dimitar Kovachevski that EU is responsible to ensure that the situation is not frozen. “We have to discuss the Bulgaria issue together and ensure that we have the path forward in place. We will discuss the status of Ukraine and Moldova at this week’s meeting and I believe it is important to discuss the Western Balkans situation and ensure that all issues are resolved. It is our responsibility to ensure that problems are settled,” said Marin. According to her, Finland’s position is very clear and the country is among the staunchest supporters of EU enlargement. “We want to see you as part of the EU and we want to see all countries move forward,” added Marin. The Finnish PM noted that Finland and Sweden would strengthen NATO and make it safer. “I would like to salute our relations, especially considering the fact that we will be NATO allies. This is an important step for us all and our bilateral relations. North Macedonia is a strong supporter of the NATO open-door policy,” said Marin. She stressed the importance of NATO unity amid current developments. “Russia has altered the security environment of Europe and we must show our citizens the importance of unity, commitment and determination. The difficult situation with Russia has shown that narrow national interests must be put aside for the well-being of whole Europe. It is important that negotiations start now. For us, North Macedonia is a positive example of active and constructive member of the international order,’ noted Marin. PM Kovachevski said Finland’s NATO membership would significantly increase the security in the Euro-Atlantic area, especially in the north and the Baltic. “I am convinced this visit is the first of many. North Macedonia supports the Alliance’s open-door policy and we openly supported the initiative of Sweden and Finland becoming NATO members. I hope they will both join the Alliance shortly. Our government approved their NATO accession as early as May,” said Kovachevski. He added that Finland is a strong supporter of the EU accession of countries of the Western Balkans, whereas North Macedonia’s blockade echoed negatively across the region.