Skopje, 6 March 2023 (MIA) - Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj met Monday with Sir Stuart Peach, UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, discussing the dynamics of the Euro-integration process, political situation in North Macedonia and regional developments.

Marichikj and Peach agreed that continuity of North Macedonia-EU negotiations is key to the stability of the entire region, the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA) said in a press release.

Interlocutors noted that North Macedonia has the opportunity to make swift progress in the process of EU negotiations, adding that the European future and the country's positioning in relations with the Union depends on the constitutional changes, as are the peace and stability of the whole region.

Special Envoy Peach, who was accompanied by Ambassador Matthew Lawson, reaffirmed UK's unconditional support to North Macedonia's European path and reform agenda.

Regarding regional stability and the Western Balkans' EU progress, Marichikj and Peach discussed the coming high-level Belgrade-Pristina meeting in Ohrid, saluting the dialogue that is of enormous geostrategic importance and one that requires constructive engagement of both sides.

Marichikj, who is also the country's Chief EU Negotiator, said North Macedonia has the democratic capacity to join the EU, a country that will continue to its commitment to regional initiatives and the maintenance of peace, stability and prosperity in the region, "because this is in our interest and in the interest of Europe."

The meeting, also attended by SEA State Secretary Drita Abdiu Halili, also reaffirmed the readiness for enhancement of cooperation and continued communication towards overcoming of challenges.

Photo: SEA