Skopje, 3 May 2022 (MIA) – President Stevo Pendarovski met with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, who is paying a working visit to North Macedonia on Tuesday. Talks focused on bilateral cooperation and the Macedonian EU file. Interlocutors highlighted close bilateral cooperation which dates back to 2000 through the Vilnius Group, as a platform to support the NATO accession process based on the principle of solidarity, wrapped up with North Macedonia’s accession to the Alliance, the President’s office said in a press release. In the context of completing strategic goals, participants in the meeting also discussed about the Macedonian EU file, opening the EU accession negotiations – a process that will additionally strengthen stability, security, democratization of the region, thus contributing towards the continent’s overall security, adds the press release. President Pendarovski extended gratitude for Lithuania’s continued principled support for North Macedonia’s European integration process. “I hope that the continuous Lithuanian commitment will be fully attained through North Macedonia’s integration in the European Union, a strategic goal that should be achieved exclusively based on a merit system through the prism of European values,” said Pendarovski. As regards current geopolitical circumstances and security implications due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Pendarovski stressed that North Macedonia will continue to demonstrate strong solidarity with Ukraine, and continue cooperation with allies and partners as part of NATO and OSCE. “North Macedonia joined the EU’s common foreign and security policy, as well as efforts to organize effective humanitarian aid through the European Union’s civil protection mechanism, and is ready to take in refugees from Ukraine,” the President said.