Skopje, 6 September 2024 (MIA) — My mandate is to help North Macedonia to move forward, and make tangible steps on the path towards our mutual and unwavering commitment of membership in the European Union, said new Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of North Macedonia, Michalis Rokas, who handed over Friday his letters of credence to President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.

According to the EU Delegation in a press release, Ambassador Rokas said he was honored to be in North Macedonia to represent the European Union.  He vowed throughout his term to work with the institutions, political forces and all actors and sectors of society across the country.

The President and Ambassador Rokas exchanged views regarding North Macedonia’s EU integration process, the progress the country has made, the opportunities for the country under the Growth Plan, as well as the future reforms and challenges ahead. Ambassador Rokas expressed his determination to support the process of reforms that would have a positive impact on the lives of all citizens.

Earlier, an official press release from the President's office said that in her address at the ceremony, Siljanovska-Davkova stressed that EU accession remains a firm strategic commitment of the country, as well as an important social driver and a significant factor of cohesion for the majority of Macedonian citizens.

She added that the country respects diversity and values its neighbors, and actively promotes European values in the region and beyond, through its actions. She voiced her conviction that with the support of the EU, the country will be able to progress on its path to EU accession, at an increased pace and without any obstacles.

“Over the years, we’ve made brave and very difficult decisions in the interest of the future of our citizens and the country. We did a lot to move closer to the necessary European standards, to harmonize with a significant part of the EU acquis and build efficient administrative and judicial capacities. At the same time, we’ve remained a proven trust partner to the Union, both from the aspect of reforms and through our contribution in the tackling of the many shared challenges,” the President said. 

On Thursday, Ambassador Rokas presented a copy of his letters of credence to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski. Foreign Minister Mucunski welcomed Ambassador Rokas, stating that his mission begins at a crucial times for country’s European future and expressed confidence that with strong mutual commitment significant progress will be made towards strengthening the partnership and achieving EU membership. ad/mr