Athens’ insistence that the neighboring Republic of North Macedonia observe “a full, consistent, and bona fide implementation of the Prespa Agreement” was reiterated on Wednesday during a high-profile meeting in the Greek capital between Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Timcho Mucunski, North Macedonia’s minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade.

At the same time, Gerepetritis reiterated Greece’s support for North Macedonia’s “European path based on established conditionality and the principle of own merits, with particular emphasis on the fundamentals.”

His entire statement reads:

“Honorable Minister, dear Timcho,

It is a pleasure to welcome you to Athens, as we continue to foster our neighborly relations.

We had the opportunity to discuss frankly and exchange views on various issues of mutual interest.

We discussed the state of our bilateral relations and agreed to explore ways to deepen the cooperation in the future.

United by geography, our nations stand side by side, ready to help and support one another in times of need, such as during humanitarian disasters. Acts of solidarity strengthen our trust and bring our people closer together.

Greece strongly supported North Macedonia’s accession to NATO in 2020 as a fully-fledged member state, and we wish to enhance our interaction within the Alliance.

Since 2003, when the historic Thessaloniki Agenda was adopted, Greece has led efforts to accelerate the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union. We will continue to support the region’s European perspective, to solidify regional stability and promote cooperation and prosperity.

I would like to reiterate Greece’s support for advancing North Macedonia’s European path based on established conditionality and the principle of own merits, with particular emphasis on the fundamentals.

In this respect, allow me to underline the utmost importance of the full, consistent, and bona fide implementation of the Prespa Agreement, including the erga omnes use of the country’s constitutional name.

Greece and North Macedonia have established a strong collaboration in various areas, including the economy, trade, investments, and interconnectivity projects related to transportation and energy networks. We have agreed to enhance our mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in these sectors, including through the “EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans”.

By its critical energy infrastructure, Greece can serve as an energy hub in Southeastern Europe and substantially contribute to Europe’s energy diversification and resilience. Flagship projects in the energy sector, such as the Greece-North Macedonia natural gas Interconnector, contribute significantly to achieving this aim.

Dear Minister,

Upholding and preserving the rules-based international order is imperative in the face of emerging asymmetrical challenges and threats.

During this pivotal moment marked by instability, armed conflict, and civil strife, it is essential that we adhere to International Law. We must remain committed to upholding the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and exercise vigilance.

As an elected member of the UN Security Council, Greece has been collaborating with all member states, including North Macedonia, to achieve international peace and security goals.

I look forward, dear colleague, dear friend, to continuing to work with you to further enhance our cooperation, both at the bilateral and multilateral level.

With these thoughts, I would like to welcome you again, dear Timcho, to Athens.”