Skopje, 14 October 2021 (MIA) – Considering that Greece is North Macedonia’s strategic partner and a champion of the European Union integration process, we expect our close neighbor and friend to resume with the clear and direct support in lobbying until the formal start of the accession negotiations, said Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani after a meeting with Greece’s Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, who is paying a visit to Skopje on Thursday. The two delegations agreed that besides the focus on reforms and the comprehensive consolidation of its European capacities, North Macedonia remained committed to the truthful and full implementation of the agreements it has signed, in line with the policy of building harmonious relations and cooperation with neighbors, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. FM Osmani said that despite the indisputable achievements that have been acknowledged, there are other issues that need to be solved, primarily through the diplomatic activities and high-level meetings, but also by the countries’ working bodies. “We are now heading for a period of frequent meetings of committees and commissions,” added Osmani. Interlocutors also tackled the enhancement of bilateral economic and trade relations, especially after the signing of the interconnector agreement, which opens broad perspectives for gas expansion and the region’s development through its networking with Central and Southeast Europe. Osmani and Varvitsiotis also exchanged opinions on global developments, future investment projects, enhancement of regional infrastructure, opening of new border crossings and new cooperation agreements. Minister Varvitsiotis expressed assurance that North Macedonia would get the required support to finally start the EU accession talks, reads the press release.