Pendarovski-Di Maio: Italy backs North Macedonia’s NATO and EU integration bid

Jerusalem, 11 February, 2020 (TPS) -- By: MIA 

Italy backs North Macedonia’s NATO and EU integration bid. The two countries maintain traditionally friendly relations, fostering high level of understanding and trust and excellent political dialogue. This was stated during the meeting between President Stevo Pendarovski and Italy’s Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, who is paying Tuesday an official visit to North Macedonia.

Pendarovski expressed appreciation for Italy’s clear and unequivocal support to North Macedonia concerning our Euro-Atlantic integration bid and thanked for the ratification of the NATO Accession Protocol in the Italian Parliament, Pendarovski’s Office said.

Pendarovski noted that the new EU enlargement methodology is acceptable for North Macedonia with the objective to have an effective accession process, with measurable results and concrete benefits for citizens. He stressed that it is crucial for North Macedonia that EU member states agree on the methodology as soon as possible and that the country be given a date a date for starting accession negotiations during Croatia’s EU presidency.

The interlocutors also discussed about boosting the economic cooperation and investments in the future, Pendarovski’s office said.

During the day, Di Maio is to meet with Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov and Prime Minister Oliver Spasovski. He is also scheduled to hold meetings with leaders of political parties.