Skopje – During a working visit to Helsinki, Orhan Murtezani, the Minister for European Affairs, met with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to enhance discussions on the European aspirations of both North Macedonia and the broader region, while also reinforcing Finland’s role as a close partner in this endeavor, as stated by the Ministry.
The meeting reaffirmed the friendly bilateral relations between the two nations, characterized by cooperation and mutual support. Minister Murtezani expressed gratitude for Finland’s steadfast involvement in the informal EU Council group known as “Friends of North Macedonia,” which actively facilitates collaboration between the Western Balkans and the European Union.
Murtezani emphasized that North Macedonia’s integration into the European Union is not just a national priority but a strategic political goal that symbolizes hope for the entire region.
He highlighted the importance of a reliable and credible accession process, which would encourage candidate countries to pursue necessary reforms. The two ministers concurred that the EU should not be seen merely as an endpoint, but as a means to foster common prosperity, stability, and democratic values. They also acknowledged that enlargement is a vital tool for enhancing the geopolitical significance of the Union and for sustaining citizens’ trust in the European perspective in the region. (November 22)
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