Skopje, 17 March 2023 (MIA) - President Stevo Pendarovski met Friday with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell and discussed the current situation related to the European aspirations of the Republic of North Macedonia, the reform progress in key areas, as well as the political situation in the country and in the region.

Pendarovski and Borrell in the statements following their meeting said exchanged opinions and information on the course of accession negotiations of the Republic of North Macedonia and the screening process, and praised the holding of today’s meeting of the Stabilization and Association Council.

“Formally, Mr. Borrell is today for a meeting of the Stabilization and Association Council, which is taking place for the first time in Skopje, which is another sign or confirmation that the process of our approaching to the European Union is taking place at a satisfactory pace at this stage, even though it is still the technical phase, for scanning the conditions in the vital areas, however the assessments from Brussels are that our answers regarding all the questions and dilemmas raised in this phase are at a high quality level, which should not be surprising considering that we were preparing for the negotiations for seventeen years, and we are one of the best prepared candidates for negotiations with the European Union,” Pendarovski said.

Borrell said that he had the opportunity to brief the President on the outcomes of the today’s Stabilization and Association Council, which, as President has said, the first ever in this country and appreciated his strong role and spoken supporter on the reforms needed to move North Macedonia closer to the European Union membership.

“I appreciated your role, Mr. President, your strong role and spoken supporter on the reforms needed to move North Macedonia closer to the European Union membership. This reform has to be agreed and implemented for the benefit of North Macedonia. Not only on the European path, but in order to build a more vibrant democracy and a more prosperous economy.” Borrell said.

Because, as he said, good neighbourhood, good relations among neighbours and regional cooperation remain essential elements of the enlargement process.

“If the Western Balkans countries are to become members of the European Union, that is good, and they have to have among them good relations and good regional cooperation,” Borrell said.

In this context, Pendarovski and Borrell discussed the next high level meeting of the Belgrade Pristina dialogue that will take place tomorrow in Ohrid.