Skopje, 3 December 2024 (MIA) - The Republic of North Macedonia greatly appreciates Sweden's strong and open support for both the country and the Western Balkan region's integration in the European Union, Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi told a meeting with the Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dag Hartelius.

At the meeting, also attended by MPs Dafina Stojanoska, Bekim Sali and Mitko Trajchuleski, Speaker Gashi pointed out that the strategic goals of the country's foreign policy since its independence have been membership in NATO and the European Union, and after joining NATO in 2020, EU membership is the top state priority.  

The interlocutors agreed that the geopolitical changes on the European continent as a result of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine only confirm that the European Union's enlargement policy is the best tool for stability, solidarity and sustainability, the Parliament said in a press release. 

State Secretary Hartelius expressed assurance that the Republic of North Macedonia can continue to count on Swedish support in the future. 

As part of the two-day official visit to the Kingdom of Sweden, the delegation also visited the Swedish National Audit Office (NAO) and met with the Deputy Auditor General Claudia Gardberg Morner.

The Speaker and the MPs were briefed on NAO's activities, organizational structure and annual reports that are prepared and submitted to the Parliament.

Interlocutors also discussed the international cooperation between NAO and the State Audit Office as part of several programs, as well as ways to increase the visibility of the activities and the importance of independent audit institutions in both countries.

Photo: Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia