Skopje, 21 February 2024 (MIA) – Caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi at a meeting Wednesday with the Ukrainian Ambassador to North Macedonia, Larysa Dir, said that North Macedonia firmly supports Ukraine amid difficult moments for the Ukrainian people who have been fighting bravely for their freedom for almost two years now, said the Government in a press release.

Xhaferi stressed that the Republic of North Macedonia and its citizens stand firmly beside Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will continue to do so for as long as it is necessary, said the Government.

“Ukraine has our support for its aspiration for integration into the democratic unions of states, and to that end, North Macedonia welcomes the decision of the European Council to begin accession negotiations with the country,” said Xhaferi at the meeting.

The PM said that, apart from the establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Council, as an allied state, North Macedonia is a part of the package of expanded political and practical assistance for Ukraine, and continues its support for the Alliance’s open-door policy.

Xhaferi affirmed that the Government would be happy to share experiences to aid Ukraine’s further integration within the Euro-Atlantic structures.

Ambassador Dir congratulated Xhaferi on his new post and voiced hope that he will continue to provide strong support for Ukraine.

“The Ambassador voiced gratitude over all the assistance provided by the Republic of North Macedonia to Ukraine, as well as the voiced readiness to continue with the assistance. She stressed that Ukraine values this highly and will never forget it. Dir welcomed North Macedonia’s readiness to share experiences and knowledge over Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration processes,” said the Government.

Photo: Government of North Macedonia