Zaev and Lajčák both agree: The Prespa Agreement focuses on the future

According to him, the country is seeking a well-deserved chance to start negotiations to join the EU. “It’s a great feeling to see your neighbor Greece doing its best to secure a date for negotiations for you,” Zaev said as cited by the government’s press service.

“At a meeting with Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov and Clemens Koja, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, also in attendance, Zaev and Lajčák praised the friendly relations between the two countries and an emphasis was put on Slovakia’s support to North Macedonia for its efforts to join NATO and the EU,” said the press release.

Also, PM Zaev welcomed Lajčák’s personal commitment, in his capacity as chairman, to implementing the priorities of Slovakia’s OSCE chairmanship.

The officials welcomed cooperation with OSCE institutions aimed at meeting European standards for protection and promotion of national minorities, election standards and issues related to the strengthening of media freedom.

“Slovakia’s support for the opening of negotiations is clear and ongoing. North Macedonia did the impossible solving the long-standing dispute with Greece. Now, a date for talks should be green-lit,” FM Lajčák said commending the government on its dedication and courage in taking crucial steps.

Both Zaev and Lajčák concluded that the Prespa Agreement was focused on the future, serving as an example of how issues between countries in the region and beyond should be solved, stated the press release.