Skopje, 6 February 2023 (MIA) - We consider that North Macedonia's membership in the European Union is key to the stability of the Western Balkans and the whole of Europe, said Hungarian President Katalin Novák, who is paying an official visit to Skopje on Monday.

President Novák expressed hope during a joint press conference with host Stevo Pendarovski that Hungary would help the expediting of the EU accession process.

Besides North Macedonia's EU membership, Novák also referred to the war in Ukraine, the fight against illegal migration, the issue of demography and exchange of cultural values.

"We believe it was unfair that North Macedonia had to suffer delays and we are aware that if this process cannot resume as it should, then EU accession pessimism will emerge," said Novák.

Hungary, she added, condemns Russia's aggression in Ukraine and supports its sovereignty.

"The war has brought about many problems and therefore we would like to see a ceasefire as soon as possible and a model of peace that would ensure Europe's long-term security," said Novák.

On mutual cooperation, she said good progress has been made as of late, hoping that the visit would contribute to further development of bilateral ties.

President Pendarovski said this was the first official visit by a Hungarian President to the country after 20 years.

"Hungary is one of the most vocal and active EU members in the support of the enlargement process with the Western Balkans, a country that played a significant role in the decision for the start of North Macedonia's accession negotiations," said Pendarovski.

He was assured the support would continue and that Hungary considers enlargement as one of EU's most strategic policies.

"We enjoy dynamic, upward economic cooperation. Hungary was among our top ten trading partners in 2022, reaching almost EUR 500 million," noted Pendarovski.

During the visit, Novák and Pendarovski will lay wreaths at the grave of revolutionary Goce Delchev at the Skopje-based St.Spas church.