Skopje, 21 August 2023 (MIA) — Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski met with President of Moldova Maja Sandu in Athens, Greece, according to an official press release.

They expressed mutual satisfaction with bilateral ties and said cooperation would continue, with the aim of achieving both countries' strategic European integration goals.

The release says that Moldova, after receiving the EU candidate status in June 2022, can count on North Macedonia to share experiences and support because it has achieved 100 percent compliance with the EU's common foreign and security policy as well as over 40 percent compliance with European legislation.

Meeting participants also exchanged opinions on the significance of the European integration process, which serves to strengthen peace and stability in Europe, the release adds.

Prime Minister Kovachevski also stressed the need for immediate integration of the Western Balkans into the EU and specifically North Macedonia, as it has had the international community's support throughout the entire process.

In addition, Kovachevski and Sandu said boosting economic cooperation between North Macedonia and Moldova would contribute to the economic development of both countries.

Kovachevski is in Athens at the invitation of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to attend events marking the 20th anniversary of the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Thessaloniki and the Thessaloniki Declaration.

The government delegation led by the PM includes Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj. mr/