Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with North Macedonia Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi in Ankara. The meeting, which took place at the Foreign Ministry’s office, aimed to strengthen the bilateral relations between Turkey and North Macedonia.
During the meeting, Minister Fidan and Speaker Gashi discussed various issues of mutual interest, including regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges. They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Balkans and agreed to work together to address common challenges.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Both Minister Fidan and Speaker Gashi highlighted the strong historical ties between Turkey and North Macedonia. They expressed their commitment to further enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, education, and tourism. Minister Fidan praised North Macedonia’s efforts to promote democracy, rule of law, and human rights, and reaffirmed Turkey’s support for its European integration aspirations.
Regional Security and Stability
The two officials also discussed the regional security situation in the Balkans and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. They underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation in addressing common security challenges. Minister Fidan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to peace and stability in the region and its support for North Macedonia’s NATO membership.
Prospects for Economic Cooperation
Minister Fidan and Speaker Gashi explored opportunities for enhancing economic cooperation between Turkey and North Macedonia. They discussed the potential for increasing bilateral trade, investment, and joint projects in various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. Both officials expressed their willingness to explore new avenues for collaboration and to strengthen economic ties for the benefit of both countries.
In a statement following the meeting, Minister Fidan emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing bilateral relations and fostering mutual understanding. He commended Speaker Gashi for his commitment to promoting cooperation between the two countries and expressed Turkey’s readiness to support North Macedonia in its efforts to achieve peace, prosperity, and development.
Overall, the meeting between Minister Fidan and Speaker Gashi was characterized by a spirit of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect. It underscored the strong bonds of friendship and partnership between Turkey and North Macedonia and the shared commitment to advancing peace, security, and prosperity in the region. Both officials expressed their optimism about the future of bilateral relations and their determination to work together to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for mutual benefit.
