Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to supporting the European perspective of the Western Balkans “with the aim of fostering regional stability, cooperation, and prosperity.” He made the statement during joint remarks with North Macedonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timčo Mucunski.

Mr. Gerapetritis recalled that since 2023, when the Thessaloniki Agenda was adopted, Greece has led efforts to accelerate the Western Balkans’ integration into the European Union. Greece supports “North Macedonia’s European path, based on conditionality and the merit-based principle, with particular emphasis on the Fundamentals,” he added.

In his statement, the Foreign Minister stressed the “great importance of full, consistent, and good-faith implementation of the Prespa Agreement, including the use of the country’s constitutional name in all contexts (erga omnes).” In 2020, he noted, Greece “strongly supported the accession of North Macedonia as a full NATO member. Our desire is to further strengthen our cooperation within the Alliance.”

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed the state of bilateral relations and agreed to explore ways to deepen their cooperation. “Geography unites us,” said Gerapetritis. “Our peoples stand by each other, ready to assist and support one another in difficult times, such as in cases of humanitarian disasters. Acts of solidarity build mutual trust and bring our peoples closer together.”

Greece and North Macedonia have developed strong cooperation in various areas such as the economy, trade, investment, and infrastructure interconnection projects in transport and energy, he said, adding that the two sides agreed to enhance their mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in these sectors through the “EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.”

“Thanks to its significant energy infrastructure, Greece can serve as an energy hub in Southeastern Europe and substantially contribute to Europe’s energy diversification and resilience,” Gerapetritis stated, adding that flagship energy projects, such as the Greece–North Macedonia natural gas interconnector, are vital to achieving this goal.

He also stressed that “asymmetric challenges and threats, and the defense and preservation of a rules-based international order, make vigilance imperative.”

“In these critical times marked by instability, armed conflicts, and civil wars, respect for international law is essential. We must remain committed to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and remain alert,” he added.

Gerapetritis concluded:
“As an elected member of the United Nations Security Council, Greece cooperates with all member states, including North Macedonia, to achieve the goals of international peace and security.”

Mucunski: Cooperation with Greece Is Not Just Valuable, It Is Vital

North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister described the discussion with his Greek counterpart as sincere and constructive.

“We confirmed something fundamental: that as neighbors and NATO allies, our cooperation matters—for our countries, our region, and the values we all support,” he said, adding that he expressed his appreciation for Greece’s unwavering support for his country’s EU path.

The discussion focused on cooperation in investments, trade, infrastructure, and energy, while also addressing regional and global security. “We reaffirmed our joint commitment within NATO and the need for close cooperation in these uncertain times. Support for Ukraine must remain unwavering. So too must our collective efforts to resist malign influences and defend stability and democratic principles,” he said.

He also expressed sincere gratitude for Greece’s solidarity during the tragedy in Kočani and recent emergencies near Dojran. “These were not just gestures of assistance, but acts of true friendship,” he emphasized.

Finally, he noted, “We underscored the importance of international public law and the obligations we have both undertaken. Because mutual respect is the foundation upon which lasting cooperation is built.”