“They need to get used to politicians who are here to protect the interests of citizens, to work for the good of the country, for the future, and we are ready to build good neighborly relations with everyone,” emphasized the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, K. Mickoski. His comments were in response to statements by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, who claimed that the North Macedonian government lacks knowledge of international and constitutional law and does not respect international agreements.

“I’m used to humiliation and insults; it’s been like that all my life, but somehow I always win in the end. We’ll see how it goes in this case. I’m sorry they don’t see a policy change here. In our country, in the government of Macedonia, the times of politicians with a bent spine, of politicians who humiliate themselves, of politicians who are ready to sign anything but not to protect the interests of Macedonian citizens, have passed,” said Mickoski.

He continued by calling on Radev and Mitsotakis to work together for the economic development of their states and the unity of their peoples. Responding to comments that he ignores the constitutional order and obligations from international agreements, Mickoski stated, “I want us, as Balkan states, to follow the examples of other regions, such as the Baltic and Scandinavian countries. Together, we should build bridges and present ourselves on international markets, in front of EU officials, and globally. Let’s build a good neighborly policy. Disparagement and insults should not be the way forward if they have decided to proceed that way. I thought we left such attitudes in the Middle Ages; now, in the 21st century, we should talk about jointly developing our common economy, education, tourism, and bringing people together.”

Mickoski also expressed his readiness to discuss these issues and urged his counterparts to reconsider their statements and behavior. “I am ready to talk about it, and I think my counterparts should reconsider their statements and behavior. However, I am not the one to advise them on what to do,” he concluded during his visit to Gevgeli.