Prime Minister Zaev, Deputy Prime Minister Osmani and Minister Dimitrov from the Ambassadorial Council: We expect maximum focus from everyone towards the historic chance in October!

The President of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, together with the Deputy Prime Minister on European Affairs, Bujar Osmani and the Minister on Foreign Affairs, Nikola Dimitrov, addressed the working meeting of the Ambassadorial Council which is organized by the MFA in the Parliamentarian Club in Skopje.

Prime Minister Zaev on the meeting “EU Perspective of the Republic of North Macedonia ahead of the Council of EU in October” addressed the present ambassadors and chargés d’affaires from the diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of North Macedonia and expressed expectations that the EU will value the achieved results in the country, on both internal and external level and will use the system of merits to adopt a positive decision for commencement of negotiations of our country with the EU. Prime Minister Zaev sent a message for us to “continue building friendships” and for everyone to invest maximum efforts in the historically positive changes that are happening in and about our country.

“The chances for receiving the long-awaited positive decision for commencement of negotiations with EU are realistic. This will be a strong motivation for the citizens, the institutions and for the country to continue ahead to the modern world. The benefits for the citizens from NATO integration process and developments in the European integration are already here – we have good economic results and they will only increase. The cooperation policies with neighbors and with the opposition are also bearing results and we, as a Government, despite the positive report from the EU on implemented reforms, will continue giving new arguments that our place, as a country and as citizens, is in the EU and NATO. We created all preconditions for functioning of the legal state and we are expecting efficient judicial solution of all cases related to corruption suspicions, including the ongoing case, because the whole modern world faces corruption and the most important issue here is whether the country can tackle these situations. Furthermore, I expect that the Law on Public Prosecution will be adopted with two-thirds majority. There are ongoing discussions with the opposition to secure the required consensus. That is why I appeal to all involved parties to be careful, professional and committed in one of the most important years for the perspectives of the Republic of North Macedonia”, said Prime Minister Zaev.

Deputy Prime Minister Osmani and the host, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikola Dimitrov, also addressed the meeting, pointing out the decision for commencement of negotiations of our country with the EU as a key priority in the Euro-integration process.

The Deputy President of the Government, Osmani, during the talks with the present guests, mentioned the European Commission Progress Report that emphasized the achieved results, especially the high level of implementation of the reforms stipulated in the Plans 18 and 3-6-9, including the progress achieved in key reform areas, which are defined in the conclusions of the European Council.

“Our progress was recognized and this shows that we deserve a clear assessment that we are ready to start negotiations, but this assessment must be translated to all member-states, to each EU capital and to convince everyone, all in order to provide the country with the necessary consensus for progress in the European integrations”, said Deputy Prime Minister on economic affairs, Osmani.

The Foreign Minister Dimitrov appealed for maximum coordination and commitment in the remaining month and a half, when the Council of EU is to meet.

“Let us use this historic change for joint success with the EU in October, when the Council of EU is expected to extend a decision for date for start of negotiations. The future results in the reforms at home, until the Council of EU on October 15th are additional contribution to the positive results for the Republic of North Macedonia and commencement of the expected negotiation process with EU”, said, among other, Minister Dimitrov.

The ambassadors and chargés d’affaires from the diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of North Macedonia also exchanged viewpoints on current political developments.