Skopje, 6 February 2023 (MIA) - Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and Hungarian President Katalin Novák voiced expectation Monday that the latter's visit to Skopje would further stimulate bilateral relations, considering it is the first visit by a Hungarian Head of State to North Macedonia after 20 years.

Our country can count on Hungary's support in its European integration process. The European Union needs North Macedonia, in the part of security and stability, as a state practicing European values and which culture is unique and that will enlarge the European family of nations, the Government said in a oress release.

Interlocutors assessed that North Macedonia's EU integration is of national and strategic significance for the country, the Western Balkans and Europe, therefore requiring the focus of all political stakeholders towards realization of this goal.

PM Kovachevski thanked President Novák for Hungary's vocal support to North Macedonia's European prospects and EU enlargement as the Union's most important strategic policy.

He noted that maintenance of peace and stability in the Western Balkans is one of the most important foreign-policy priorities of the country, whereas the Government is fully committed to dialogue as a mechanism for settlement of open issues. The PM also referred to the Government's commitment to reforms, in parallel with the management of the challenges of the global economic-energy crisis.

On the OSCE Chairmanship, Kovachevski voiced assurance that North Macedonia will contribute to the stability and security of Europe, in the context of the current developments arising from the war in Ukraine, adding that the country is fully aligned with the EU foreign policy.

Kovachevski and Novák said both countries enjoy good cooperation as NATO members, economic cooperation has seen an upward trend, whereas possibilities are there for further development of trade relations, investments, energy, education.

In addition, the PM thanked the President for Hungary's donations and humanitarian aid provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, reads the press release.