Mitsotakis: I am confident that North Macedonia will recognize that creating issues with Greece is not in its best interest

Athens – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his belief that North Macedonia will come to understand that maintaining a confrontational stance towards Greece, its largest neighbor and a significant investor, is not in its best interest. In an interview with the television station “Antenna,” he discussed the dynamics between Skopje and Athens, reiterating his expectation for a clear commitment from North Macedonia’s government and political leaders to uphold the Prespa Agreement.

Mitsotakis pointed out that there are still elements in the Balkans that mistakenly believe they can gain politically by reviving nationalist sentiments. He noted that this trend has been particularly evident with the current North Macedonian government, both during the pre-election period and to some extent following the elections.

He reaffirmed his stance on the Prespa Agreement, emphasizing that the official name of the country is North Macedonia, a fact that should remain uncontested whether in international representation or domestic contexts.

“North Macedonia cannot escape this reality. Over the past two months, it seems that the government has begun to acknowledge this,” Mitsotakis stated. He called for a clear declaration from North Macedonia’s leaders that they fully adhere to the Prespa Agreement and recognize the country’s name as North Macedonia, irrespective of its usage inside or outside the nation. “I believe we are moving in the right direction,” he added, highlighting that Greece has already informed its allies about North Macedonia’s position. (December 1)