Skopje, 9 September 2022 (MIA) - Italy has always supported and will continue to support strongly North Macedonia's European path. Creating the conditions for the recent opening of negotiations with Brussels is a success you should be rightfully proud of in anticipation of meeting the ultimate goal of becoming a full-fledged member of the EU, which had happened with your decision to join NATO, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said in an address before North Macedonia's Parliament on Friday. According to him, North Macedonia's belongs in Europe due to the values, history and culture. Addressing MPs, Mattarella said that the friendship between Italy and North Macedonia has deep roots, motivated by spontaneous sympathy and by the feeling of mutual understanding. "After World War Two, despite the limitations imposed by the then geopolitical order, Italy had resumed to foster respect and constant interest toward your people. A proof is the strong response of solidarity after the deadly earthquake that hit Skopje in 1963 when over 200 Italian artists had donated over 300 works, which today are preserved at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Skopje," said the Italian head of state. The declaration of independence 31 years ago, Mattarella stated, had opened additional opportunities for development of the relations of the two countries in all spheres, most notably in culture. "Italy is proud of the fact that Italian is taught for more than 60 years at the Skopje University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius. At the moment, many Macedonian students from elementary and secondary schools are choosing to learn Italian, which is a sign of dynamic and modernity of the ties between the two countries," he concluded. Mattarella reaffirmed that Skopje on several occasions has confirmed the sincere connection to the principles Europe is based by making oftentimes courageous and difficult decisions. "I think of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, that had found a permanent solution to the participation of all ethnic components in the country, I think of the Prespa Agreement and the agreements signed with Bulgaria. I would like to express deep appreciation and respect by Italy on the course North Macedonia is on, including its citizens, its institutions and this assembly. Sometimes, you had to make difficult decisions, but thanks to them, North Macedonia has affirmed itself as being inclusive internally and open to building relations of sincere cooperation externally," the Italian president stressed. According to Mattarella, full-fledged accession of the Southeast European countries in the European family will be seen as a key contribution to peace in Europe and will put an end to the delay of the process of integration of the continent. He noted that the relationship between the Balkans and Italy is an example that we can strive towards the joint horizons, which is a joint and European realty. "Today, North Macedonia and Bulgaria are called to take the obligation of developing a respecting and sincere dialogue to overcome misunderstandings from the past as part of together belonging in the European family and full respect of their own cultures and identities," said Mattarella. The European cultural space, he stressed, would not be fulfilled without the contribution of North Macedonia's history and culture, where Macedonian language is a key component. President Mattarella said Italy firmly believes that the Western Balkans is a part of Europe and that Europe will never be complete without admitting the countries from this region, noting some external forces want to impose their influence in the region. "What's happening in Ukraine is a threat to the basic values of the international community and the response of the Euro-Atlantic family was to the challenge imposed by Moscow's military 'adventure'," he said thanking for North Macedonia's solidarity shows towards Ukraine. https://youtu.be/IQ0aD4fwCGQ