President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova received today the Letters of Credence of the newly appointed Head of the Delegation of the European Union, Ambassador Michalis Rokas.
In the welcome address at the ceremony of handing over the Letters of Credence, the President said that even after more than three decades since our independence, the aspiration for full membership in the European Union continues to be an important social driver and a significant factor of cohesion for the vast majority of Macedonian citizens.
“Joining the European Union has been our firm strategic commitment and generational goal, for the achievement of which dozens of our state leaders, political representatives, members of the civil sector, academics and researchers, businessmen, journalists, and many more of our diplomats and public servants have worked and proceed to work diligently”, President Siljanovska Davkova emphasized in her address, adding that as a country of friendship and coexistence, our country respects diversity and values its neighbors and, through its actions, vigorously promotes European values in the region and beyond.
She expressed her belief that with the support of the EU, the country can progress even in the final stage of our journey towards full European integration, with an accelerated pace and without any obstacles.
“Over the years, we have made bold and very difficult decisions, mindful of the future of our citizens and the state. We have done much to increase our compliance to the required European standards, to adapt a significant part of the EU acquis and to build efficient administrative and judicial capacities. In doing so, we have remained a proven and reliable partner of the Union, both in terms of reforms and through our contribution in addressing the many common challenges”, the President said in the welcome address.
Emphasizing that the European Union is our most important economic and trade partner, which speaks of the extremely close structural connection of our economy with the single market of the Union and the economies of the member states, the President said that the funds and macro-financial support of the EU were and remain an important incentive for development, transformation and reforms.
“I would like to express my deep conviction that, in the spirit of the pledge for accelerated and phased integration, we will succeed in fully utilizing the potential of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, as well as the other European programs and mechanisms to further deepen and enhance our partnership”, President Siljanovska Davkova said, stressing that our country considers the EU a key supporter, partner and friend in dealing with the many challenges of today.
The Head of the Delegation of the European Union, Michalis Rokas, at the ceremony of handing over the Letters of Credence, quoted the statement of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen that enlargement is an investment in our collective strength and security. We want a strong, competitive and secure Europe, and this includes the Western Balkans as well as Ukraine and Moldova in our European Union”, stressing that this is proof that enlargement will again become a top priority and needs to be expedited during her mandate.
Ambassador Rokas pointed to the recent decision of the Council and the European Parliament to finance the Reforms and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans.
“This shows that the EU is putting means commensurate to the level of our ambitions. We are looking forward to accompany your country, the new Government, institutions, and civil society on the path towards further European integration. And, I would like you to assure that my mandate is to help North Macedonia to move forward, and make tangible steps on the path towards this mutual commitment of membership in the Union”, Ambassador Rokas said.
“We hope that negotiations and reforms could soon become mutually reinforcing processes. Both processes are demanding for your Government and public administration. We will continue to stand ready to provide assistance to strengthen institutions through our pre-accession instrument (IPA). We are ready for open dialogue, to listen, advise and find solutions together. I am looking forward to working with you, Your Excellency, with the Parliament, with the Government and with all other actors of the civil society”, Ambassador Rokas said when handing over the credentials.
He emphasized that he will represent the values of the European Union, respect for human rights and the rule of law, pointing out the solidarity demonstrated by the EU in helping to fight forest fires in the country and in the Balkans, as well as the commitment to peace that the Union demonstrates through continued and strong support of Ukraine and the principles of international law.
