Zaev-McIlwham: Britain supports Macedonia’s bid to join EU and NATO


Prime Minister Zoran Zaev held talks Friday with Fiona McIlwham, Director for Western Balkans at the British Foreign Office, the government said in a press release.

McIlwham voiced support for the policies of Macedonia’s government, focused on reforms and building friendships as democratic values significant for the country’s integration with European, Euro-Atlantic organizations. Macedonia-Bulgaria Friendship Treaty is a good example for the countries in the region how to settle bilateral issues, she said.

“NATO, EU membership is Macedonia strategic goal, as we believe that reforms will bring prosperity to the country and better living standard to citizens. We are committed to building friendly relations with all of our neighbors, while the issue standing on Macedonia’s path to (EU, NATO) accession is not unsolvable,” Zaev said.

Zaev thanked Britain on its support of Macedonia’s democratization and institutional development.

The meeting also tackled the preparations for the Western Balkan Summit, scheduled to take place in London on 9-10 July.