Skopje, 19 February 2024 (MIA) – North Macedonia is continuing its commitment to European integration, with significant progress after the successful realization of the screening process, motivated by the Growth Plan as a strategy aimed at accelerating economic convergence with the EU countries, concluded Deputy Prime Minister for European affairs Bojan Marichikj and the Director General for Europe and International Trade Policy at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Nicola Verola, at a meeting Monday, according to press release from the Secretariat for European Affairs.

At the meeting, Marichikj highlighted the importance of regional cooperation with the Western Balkans for successful strategic planning of the Growth Plan and implementation of reforms in the country.

“For us, it is important that we stay on the European course considering the momentum that we have and which the European Union offers as an opportunity,” said Marichikj.

Verola underscored Italy’s support for North Macedonia’s progress on the path to the EU, noting the positive signals sent by Italy within the EU over the country and the Western Balkans, so that they can become a part of the European family, said the Secretariat.

“Both sides agreed that this opportunity is a real and attainable goal for North Macedonia to become a full-fledged member of the EU. The importance of using the opportunity was highlighted at the meeting, in view of the benefits that the country would receive by becoming a part of the Union,” said the Secretariat.

At the meeting, Marichikj affirmed the significance of the long-standing cooperation between the two countries and voice gratitude to Italy for its support for North Macedonia’s EU accession.

The meeting was also attended by Andrea Cascone, representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Italy, alongside the Italian Ambassador to North Macedonia, Andrea Silvestri and Mario De Rosa, the charge d’affaires at the Embassy.

Photo: Secretariat for European Affairs