President Stevo Pendarovski received today the letters of credence by Anke Gisela Holstein, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of North Macedonia, resident in Skopje.
Wishing her cordial welcome, President Pendarovski said at the ceremony that the Republic of North Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Germany are continuously building friendly and partnership relations, pointing to the intense political dialogue between the two countries and emphasizing the fact that Germany is the most important economic and trade partner of North Macedonia, with trade exchange over EUR4 billion annually.
President Pendarovski said that the inclusion of the issue of enlargement in the priorities of the German EU presidency in the second half of 2020 is a clear message for our country, but also an unequivocal stimulus for further implementation of necessary essential reforms in all spheres of social life, especially in the rule of law and in the fight against organized crime and high corruption.
“We are aware that before your presidency of the Council of the European Union, the biggest economic challenge in the history of the EU is here, related to the recovery of the countries affected by the corona virus. But, at the same time, we are witnessing that the pandemic has further strengthened Europe’s sense of solidarity, unity and responsibility towards the Western Balkans. In that context, our expectations are to hold the first inter-governmental conference by the end of the year, which will mark the official start of negotiations between the Republic of North Macedonia and the European Union”, President Pendarovski said at the ceremony.
President Pendarovski thanked for the overall German assistance to our country in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ambassador Holstein said that in the past years, North Macedonia has taken important steps on the path to the Euro-Atlantic integration.
“NATO accession as the 30th member, important agreements with neighboring Greece and Bulgaria, and finally the green light to start accession talks with the European Union, which you should have received a long time ago are successes that I allow myself to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart. Germany was a trusted partner at the time, supporting you with all its capacity. Let me assure you that it will stay that way. You can count on everything I can contribute to as a German Ambassador personally, and I will do so”, Ambassador Holstein said at the ceremony.
President Pendarovski wished Ambassador Holstein successful performance of her responsible duties.
