Skopje, 17 October 2023 (MIA) - Germany's reaffirmed strong support for realization of the next step in the plan for EU accession by taking significant decisions was in the focus of the meeting of Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the Berlin Process Summit in Tirana late on Monday.

The meeting, also attended by Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj, tackled North Macedonia's European prospects and the country's EU accession negotiations, and current developments in the region, the Government said in a press release.

Chancellor Scholz provided strong encouragement and support for realization of the next step in the plan for EU accession by taking significant decisions. He welcomed the Government's efforts for continuation of the Euro-integration process and progress in meeting membership criteria, while noting the importance of consensus on strategic issues in the citizens' interest.

PM Kovachevski said the opportunity must not be missed and stressed that North Macedonia needs integration not isolation, whereas a vote for the constitutional amendments is a vote for North Macedonia's European future.

Interlocutors agreed that acceleration of integration processes is in the interest of the region's political and economic stability, as well as its security, while EU membership leads to economic and societal development, social justice, democracy, rule of law and better life for citizens.

Kovachevski thanked Scholz for Germany's principled support and commitment, both in the process of accession negotiations and through the Berlin Process as catalyst for regional cooperation. The two leaders also discussed the specific benefits of the Berlin Process, aimed at raising the level of political cooperation, which represents a very significant element on the Euro-integration path of North Macedonia and the region.

Discussions also referred to the most important aspects of bilateral cooperation, considering that Germany is one of the most dedicated partners in the EU integration of the Western Balkans, reads the press release.

Photo: Government