Slovenian President Borut Pahor in Skopje: “This is an opportunity that the European Union cannot pass up”

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, starts his official visit to the Republic of North Macedonia today.

After being received with military honours, Slovenian President Borut Pahor and the North Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski had a longer one-on-one meeting, followed by plenary talks between the delegations of the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of North Macedonia, led by their respective presidents. The meeting demonstrates the continuation of the regular and friendly dialogue at the presidential level.


Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

In the discussion, Presidents Pahor and Áder confirmed their excellent and friendly relations. They evaluated that the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of North Macedonia are allies and close friends. President Pendarovski thanked President Pahor for the material and financial assistance of the Republic of Slovenia in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. President Pahor reiterated Slovenia’s support of North Macedonia on its path towards EU membership. The presidents dedicated special attention to regional cooperation and the situation in the region.


Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

At the press conference, President Pendarovski said he considers President Pahor’s visit to be extremely important. He added that he sees Slovenia as a close ally in NATO, as well as with regard to the efforts of North Macedonia on its path to the EU. President Pendarovski thanked President Pahor for all the existing support and expressed his belief that the future of the Western Balkans region is in the integration of its countries in the European Union. He highlighted the excellent cooperation between Slovenian and Macedonian police officers in the fight against illegal migration and he praised the two countries’ joint cultural projects.

President Pahor confirmed to the media that the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of North Macedonia are friends and allies. “The visit takes place in a time that both countries deem as important for North Macedonia, the region and the European Union,” said President Pahor and added that after a long deadlock due to Greece, the politicians of the two countries have now managed to find a compromise to overcome it. This enabled North Macedonia to come closer to the EU and to a membership in the NATO. “My current visit is no coincidence. As a president of a EU member state, I wish to emphasise that now is the right time to not stall the convening of a intergovernmental conference,” urged the President of the Republic and explained that while he understands concerns of certain countries, it is neccessary to do everything to convene the conference immediately. “Slovenia is in favour of all countries of the Western Balkan region joining the Union. But today I am here to bring the attention of the European Union to the future of one specific country. If now that the Republic of North Macedonia has met the demands of the EU we would look for reasons why the EU cannot fulfill its promises, this would not be credible. As a strong proponent of the EU enlargement in the Western Balkans and as a convinced European I say: This is an opportunity the EU cannot pass up,” concluded the President of the Republic of Slovenia.

Later during the visit, the President of the Republic of Slovenia will address the members of the parliament at a formal sitting of the Assembly of North Macedonia. Before the address, he will meet with the President of the Assembly of North Macedonia Talat Xhaferi. President Pahor will also meet with the Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia Zoran Zaev and he will lay a wreath in front of Gocet Delcev’s grave at Church of St Spas.

The official visit will end in Ohrid where the President will meet Slovenian police officers that helped protect the border with their North Macedonian colleagues. Together with the Minister of Defence he will observe the demonstration exercise of the Special Operations Battalion of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia.


Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA