Pendarovski: Poland is North Macedonia’s vocal supporter, political dialogue at highest level
Skopje, 24 October 2022 (MIA) – Poland has always been North Macedonia’s principled and vocal supporter, and in the coming period, Polish support will be strengthened not only bilaterally, but also through the Visegrad Group, as well as through other regional forums in which it is a member. Support within the EU is evident. The economic cooperation between the two countries is also increasing, but in the coming period there should be closer cooperation in this area, Presidents of North Macedonia and Poland, Stevo Pendarovski and Andrzej Duda, concluded at Monday's meeting.
President Pendarovski, who is paying an official visit to Poland on Monday, told a press conference after meeting with President Duda that the intensified political dialogue between the two countries is at the highest level in the past years, even at a time of global crises.
“President Duda and I discussed about Macedonian European integration and the start of our European Union accession negotiations. Poland has always been our principled and vocal supporter, and in that regard, I especially welcome the willingness of our hosts to use their experience and expertise during the negotiation process. I believe that in the coming period, Polish support will be strengthened, not only bilaterally, but also through the Visegrad Group, as well as through other regional forums in which it is a member,” said Pendarovski.
Pendarovski noted that a central topic at the meeting was the war in Ukraine and its consequences. He stressed that the country will continue to provide military and humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people.
“On this occasion, here in Warsaw, I want to reaffirm our position that the Republic of North Macedonia remains a constructive partner of the Western alliance in responding to Russian aggression through the full implementation of EU restrictive measures, as well as in supporting territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” Pendarovski said.
He noted that Together with President Duda they have reaffirmed their joint commitments as credible partners in the NATO Alliance and welcomed the cooperation between the two countries as part of the OSCE troika.
“We highly appreciate this year’s Polish OSCE chairmanship, and I assure you that we will continue to make an even more intensive contribution in reducing the consequences of the war through the Macedonian chairmanship of this organization in the coming year, 2023,” Pendarovski added.
President Pendarovski also highlighted cooperation in education and culture, as a successful example in Macedonian-Polish relations, and building relations in education, language and culture.
