On 2-3 April, Foreign Minister János Martonyi paid an official visit to Skopje, where he conducted discussions with his partner, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki, with President Gjorge Ivanov, and with Teuta Arifi, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of EU Integration.

In his negotiations in Skopje, János Martonyi affirmed that Hungary supports Macedonia's aspirations to join the EU and NATO, in which our country is ready to provide help.

Mr. Martonyi and Nikola Poposki discussed the current situation of the Hungarian-Macedonian relations, the security challenges of the Western Balkans, and the state of the EU and NATO accession processes of Macedonia.

The EU membership of the Western Balkan countries – including Macedonia – at the earliest date is one of the strategic aims of Hungary. The European Commission proposed the start of the accession negotiations in three consecutive years, but this requires unanimity of the Member States, which can only be achieved if the open question of the name dispute has been settled. We do not intend to intervene in the name issue; however, we are convinced that the two parties concerned will find a solution. Both Ministers appreciated the start of the High Level Accession Dialogue with the European Commission, emphasising that it may shorten the process of accession negotiations with Macedonia.

Continuing to provide help for the Western Balkan states in their European integration, Hungary assumes the role of a mentor to promote Macedonia’s EU accession process, especially in the fields of justice and home affairs. As an affirmation, the two Foreign Ministers signed a cooperation agreement.

During the courtesy call paid to President Gjorge Ivanov, the parties mainly discussed the further potential of economic cooperation and the possibility of Hungary’s more intensive participation in Macedonia’s development programmes.

In the consultation with Teuta Arifi, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of EU Integration, the Macedonian party explained that they try their best to reduce the number of fake asylum seekers, due to whom several Member States considered restoring visa requirements.

In addition to the discussions, János Martonyi opened the travelling exhibition of the Wallenberg Year in the Holocaust Memorial Centre in Skopje. Special attention was paid to the event by the local Diplomatic Corps, the local Jewish community, and the Macedonian social elite. On behalf of the Macedonian Government, Deputy Prime Minister Musa Xhaferi, Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki, and top officials of the Cabinet of the President and the Foreign Ministry of Macedonia honoured the opening ceremony with their presence.

(kormany.hu)