PM Zaev, President Steinmeier commend Macedonia-Germany relations

Macedonia’s Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier voiced satisfaction Wednesday in Berlin with the favorable, dynamic development of the relations between the two countries.

In the year that marks the 25th anniversary of the diplomatic ties, the cooperation between the countries is crowned with the fact that Germany is Macedonia’s most significant trade partner, namely the bilateral trade exchange has reached over EUR three billion, the government said in a press release. It also notifies the business ties between the companies of both countries, saying that German enterprises operating in Macedonia have thus far created about 20.000 jobs.

Zaev and Steinmeier also shared opinions about the bilateral cooperation in the sphere of security and defense, as well as about Macedonia’s bid to join NATO. In this respect the engagement of Macedonian soldiers, part of German contingent  in Afghan peace mission, was highlighted.

Steinmeier praised Macedonia’s overall progress and its substantial advancement in implementing the reforms.

A solution to the name dispute with Greece will be favorable for the entire Balkan region and its stability, Germany’s President said.

Macedonia’s government, Zaev said, has been championing a new spirit in the Skopje-Athens relations, namely opening a dialogue for settling the outstanding issues and building of bridges of cooperation, based on mutual trust and respect.