Skopje, 6 October 2022 (MIA) – Continuation of the reforms which the two countries are cooperating on is a priority for the United Kingdom, in order to support the Government of North Macedonia in dealing with corruption, promoting transparency and digitization, said new British Ambassador to North Macedonia, Matthew Lawson, at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister in charge of good governance policies, Slavica Grkovska, on Thursday. Lawson and Grkovska concluded that cooperation between the two countries is at a high level and will continue to develop in key areas which are prerequisites for democratic development and economic progress. The Deputy PM, according to her Office, welcomed Ambassador Lawson and wished him a successful tenure in Skopje. She expressed her gratitude for the support that the United Kingdom has provided thus far, which, she said, is also manifested through close cooperation with her Office, especially in the area of improving the transparency of institutions, as well as the strengthening of capacities in order to increase their efficiency. Grkovska stated that in her work she is focused on sustainable, systemic and long-term solutions that will impact the change of society. Ambassador Lawson assessed that the responsibilities of Grkovska’s Office are very significant. He underscored that the United Kingdom values the “partnership of equals”, which emphasizes the importance of each country’s cultural identity, the importance of culture and language identity. Grkovska and Lawson agreed to expand the cooperation in other areas which they will jointly determine to be crucial for the development of North Macedonia, especially during the EU accession negotiations. ad/ik/