President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova received today the Letters of Credence of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium, resident in Sofia, Paul Lambert.
At the ceremony of presenting the Letters of Credence, President Siljanovska Davkova said that Belgium is a great friend and sincere ally in the process of Macedonian European integration and that in the 30-year history of diplomatic relations, the two countries have managed to build dynamic political relations and a solid level of mutual cooperation in several areas.
“Belgium, as one of the founding countries of the European Union, has been and remains a strong promoter of our European integration processes. We deserve to start accession negotiations without further delay. The government and I remain fully committed to the reforms related to the European integration. This process should be implemented in accordance with the Copenhagen criteria. If integration into Europe is not de-bilateralized, a harmful precedent will be repeated in the case of other countries in the region,” the President said in her welcome address.
Emphasizing that the Macedonian people cherish the same values as the Belgians, the President expressed her expectation that the Ambassador will provide his personal contribution to our European integration.
“We have no doubt that our Belgian friends will help us become part of the European family, an act that will open a new chapter in our history, will bring new energy to the Macedonian institutions and citizens, and will raise a new wave of dedicated self-investment for the European idea,” President Siljanovska Davkova said.
Pointing out that Belgium is our significant trade partner, President Siljanovska Davkova expressed interest and readiness to intensify and deepen joint cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, and above all, in the field of economy.
Ambassador Lambert in his address, noting the three-decade continuity of bilateral relations built on shared values and commitments, said that Belgium recognizes the important role that our country, as a NATO member, plays for the global security and stability of the region.
“Your country is fully aligned with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, even in terms of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, thus sending a strong signal of its strategic choice – the EU and confirming itself as a reliable partner. You have consistently proven your political commitment to the European integration, as well as your ambition to move forward in the negotiations,” Ambassador Lambert said.
Emphasizing the benefits of free trade, he expressed his support for the Belgian-Macedonian Business Club, established in August 2023, which aims to create a favorable environment for long-term economic growth, job creation and improvement of living standards, and emphasized the interest of the Belgian companies in our country.
In his speech, he noted the satisfaction of our country’s concern for the interests of the small Belgian community, as well as its contribution to the development of bilateral relations.
President Siljanovska Davkova wished the ambassador a successful completion of his diplomatic mission and expressed confidence that he would engage in strengthening friendly relations.
