Skopje, 18 March 2022 (MIA) — Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski met Friday with the Ambassador of Romania to North Macedonia, Adela Monica Axinte, agreeing to further develop friendly relations between the two countries. According to an official press release, Ambassador Axinte voiced Romania’s support for North Macedonia’s EU membership, which she said the country deserved with its reform progress and good neighborly policies. Starting negotiations, she said, would be important both for the stability of the Western Balkans and of the European Union itself. The Romanian ambassador also welcomed North Macedonia’s quick response regarding Ukraine and the clear positions the country has taken in line with NATO and EU policies. This is another confirmation that North Macedonia belongs in the European Union, it was concluded at the meeting, according to the release. Prime Minister Kovachevski reiterated that North Macedonia stands with the EU and NATO in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He also said the country would provide assistance to the Ukrainian people, including accepting refugees from Ukraine, if necessary. At the meeting, they both stressed the importance of the two countries' NATO membership, the need for unity and solidarity, and the view that open issues should be resolved through dialogue to preserve peace and security. Regarding the European aspirations of our country, Kovachevski thanked Axinte for the sincere and friendly support from Romania, adding that relations with the Republic of Bulgaria were mutually respectful. Regarding the country’s economy, he said the monetary and fiscal systems were stable and able to cope with the economic challenges from the global crisis. They also discussed possibilities to boost cooperation between North Macedonia and Romania in areas such as business and the fight against crime and corruption as well as opportunities to learn from Romania's EU accession experiences. mr/