President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Istanbul today, at which it was concluded that the Macedonian-Turkish relations are characterized by strong friendship, trust and continuous mutual support.
First, the President expressed her condolences to President Erdogan for the victims of yesterday’s shooting at a high school in Turkiye, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. Turkiye has always been our close friend and has provided assistance in the most difficult times, such as the tragedy in Kocani, and we stand in solidarity with the Turkish people, Siljanovska-Davkova said.
At the meeting with Erdogan, she pointed out that through its institutions and companies: from TIKA, which implemented 1,320 projects, to the Maarif schools, the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center, Turkish Airlines and Halkbank, Turkiye is present in many areas of the Macedonian society.
In signing the Joint Political Declaration on the Establishment of a High-Level Cooperation Council, the presidents recognize an opportunity for more dynamic and structured bilateral cooperation, which will result in holding of the first intergovernmental session.
Siljanovska-Davkova welcomed the Turkish diplomatic initiative – the Balkan Peace Platform, assessing it as an important instrument for strengthening regional dialogue and stability.
She thanked Turkiye for its long-standing support in the modernization of the Macedonian Army.
Both agreed that there is room for increasing trade and investment, and in the announced business forum in Turkiye they recognize an excellent opportunity for promoting economic cooperation.
The meeting discussed the status of the Turkish community in social and political life through the prism of fair and adequate representation, as well as the functioning of some educational institutions.
The presidents are confident that the challenges facing the Turkish community in our country will be overcome.
Siljanovska-Davkova extended an invitation to President Erdogan for an official visit to the country.
The President is in Turkiye to take part in the 5th Antalya Diplomatic Forum.
