Skopje, 27 April 2022 (MIA) — Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski met with Turkish Parliament Speaker Mustafa Şentop in Skopje and reaffirmed the traditionally friendly relations between the countries as well as the increasingly stronger economic ties and cooperation as partner countries within NATO, according to an official press release. At the meeting, Prime Minister Kovachevski and Parliament Speaker Şentop also noted that bilateral trade had increased in 2021 and Turkish companies were becoming some of the largest investors in North Macedonia. “North Macedonia was pointed out as an example of how citizens of different cultures, religions and ethnic communities can live together in one country in harmony, making a significant contribution to peace in the Balkans,” the release says. “Türkiye supports North Macedonia’s start of negotiations with the EU as soon as possible,” the release points out, adding that the country's European integration is of great importance for the stability of the region and beyond. PM Kovachevski thanked the Turkish parliament head for his country’s sincere and continuous support of North Macedonia since its independence. Regarding the issue with Bulgaria, Kovachevski said a solution was possible if both sides were committed to dignified talks based on European values ​​and in the spirit of mutual respect. Regarding the war in Ukraine, the prime minister said that North Macedonia’s position was completely in line with the EU and NATO. mr/