President Stevo Pendarovski met today in Rome with the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.
At the meeting, the two presidents discussed the bilateral relations between North Macedonia and Italy, emphasizing that the two countries have traditionally friendly relations with a high level of understanding and trust.
They also stressed the excellent and continuous political dialogue that can contribute to strengthening trade and economic cooperation.
The interlocutors discussed the latest developments related to the start of our country’s accession negotiations for membership in the European Union, with President Pendarovski expressing satisfaction with the traditional interest and continued clear and unreserved support of Italy in terms of our European integration.
Presidents Pendarovski and Mattarella stated that the integration of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans in the European Union is in the interest of regional security and prosperity and said that it is necessary to hold the first intergovernmental conference between the European Union and North Macedonia as soon as possible.
After the meeting, President Pendarovski gave a statement to the media in which he pointed out the full support of Italy, not only for North Macedonia, but for the entire Western Balkans. President Mattarella will strive to intensify the European integration processes, said President Pendarovski after the meeting with the Italian President.
President Stevo Pendarovski will have an audience tomorrow with the Head of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Francis, and will meet with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Later, President Pendarovski will lay flowers at the tomb of St. Cyril in the Basilica of San Clemente, and in the afternoon, President Pendarovski together with the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, will visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and jointly pay tribute to the work of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius.
