Vienna, 20 April 2023 (MIA) - North Macedonia is doing a lot to start EU accession negotiations and we respect what has been achieved, as well as the efforts to resolve the difficult situation with Bulgaria, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer told Thursday's joint press conference with Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski in Vienna. 

"North Macedonia is a good partner for Austria because it does a lot to start EU accession negotiations. The Prime Minister contributed a lot to resolving the difficult situation with Bulgaria. I respect what has been achieved by North Macedonia. Austria will continue to stand by North Macedonia, we are friends committed to joint work," Nehammer said. 

Austria, he stressed, has a long tradition of building bridges in the Western Balkans and has a special interest in the countries of the region not to lose the prospect of joining the EU.

"Russia, China and many others are also interested in this strategic region, and that is precisely why I believe it is important, and it is the duty of the EU to be present in the region and provide support. Austria remains a strong supporter of the accession process to really start and end with EU membership," said the Austrian Chancellor.

Commenting on the relations with North Macedonia in other areas, Nehammer said that Vienna and Skopje have close and good cooperation in the economic sphere and in terms of security. He expressed gratitude for what North Macedonia is doing to protect the borders and deal with migration, now through strong cooperation with Frontex as well.