Skopje, 10 November 2021 (MIA) – North Macedonia’s prospects related to the Euro-integration process, current developments in the country and region, and cooperation with the Netherlands were in the focus of discussions of President Stevo Pendarovski with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Wednesday afternoon. President Pendarovski hosted a working dinner and expressed satisfaction from the intensified political dialogue between the two countries, noting that the Netherlands is an important partner and proven supporter of North Macedonia’s efforts to join the EU. Pendarovski, said his Office, thanked the Netherlands for its principled support on the start of the EU accession talks, highlighting that North Macedonia is committed to the reform agenda and goodneighborly relations. “The December Council meetings are a test of the enlargement policy’s credibility, representing an opportunity for North Macedonia to make a step forward on the EU path. Support to unblocking our Euro-integration is of exceptional importance for the stability and prosperity of the entire region and further incentive to the reform processes,” said Pendarovski. He voiced expectation that the Dutch government would continue to contribute in the strengthening of North Macedonia as a European democracy, a free society and a free market economy. In this regard, interlocutors stressed the significance of the Declaration for partnership and cooperation that the two countries have signed as basis for enhancement of bilateral ties, and the continued and committed implementation of European standards, reads the press release.