Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s statement on the demarcation of Egypt’s western maritime borders was welcomed by Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, stating that “Greece and Egypt are constantly coordinating their actions on issues related to security and stability in Eastern Mediterranean“.

In his statements after meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Boukhar Osmani in Athens, Nikos Dendias actually stressed that the agreement between Greece and Egypt on the delimitation of exclusive economic zones is a brilliant example, confirming the country’s faith in us in international law and the law of the sea, and which contributes to stability and security throughout the region, contrary to the memorandums of understanding signed between the Tripoli administration and Turkey.

Nikos Dendias also informed his colleague from North Macedonia about Turkey’s aggressive rhetoric in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean and, referring to Greece’s relations with the countries of the region, stressed that they had developed into partnerships.

At the same time, together with Bujar Osmani, in their joint statements after their third bilateral meeting in the last 7 months, the Minister of Foreign Affairs sent a double signal that Greece firmly believes and stands for the future of the Western Balkans in the EU supports North Macedonia to push through the necessary reforms for EU accession, and that “we cannot allow revisionist-inspired third parties” to take advantage of the weariness of the whole process.

During the meeting, the foreign ministers of the two countries discussed bilateral relations, with Nikos Dendias highlighting the importance that Greece attaches to strengthening them. “Greece is the closest partner and ally in the region, without any hidden intentions,” he stated clearly and conveyed: “You can always count on our friendship and our support.” Continuing in the same vein, he noted that Greece’s support was confirmed by a clear position, as well as consistent efforts in favor of the integration of North Macedonia into the EU, as well as through the organization of the first intergovernmental conference between Greece and North Macedonia. As he emphasized, the “North Macedonia-EU Intergovernmental Political Conference” sent a clear signal not only to North Macedonia, but also to the European perspective of all the Western Balkans.

Focusing on bilateral cooperation, they discussed energy, economics, communications, with Nikos Dendias stressing that the two countries can cooperate in the context of common interests such as renewable energy, green energy, defense industry, “what is for the good of both countries, but also NATO. In addition, the Greek Foreign Minister said that they discussed the strategic importance of the interconnector between Greece and North Macedonia and how important the aerial reconnaissance of the country by the Greek Air Force, which began in 2019, congratulated his colleague from North Macedonia. to harmonize with the common foreign and security policy of the EU.

Regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that “all our efforts are aimed at supporting the Ukrainian people”, and emphasized that for Greece the answer is always simple and concerns the fundamental pillars of foreign policy, namely respect for the territorial integrity, national sovereignty and independence of all states and refraining from the use of force or the threat of force.

In addition, Nikos Dendias congratulated North Macedonia on taking over the OSCE Chairmanship for 2023 in a few days and wished every success. He added that this will be a rather difficult mission after a difficult year during which the European continent has faced and continues to face a devastating and aggressive invasion. However, he expressed confidence that North Macedonia will do everything possible to ensure that the OSCE fulfills its mission and contributes to security in Europe. In fact, he announced that Greece would provide all possible support in these efforts. He also calculated that during the North Macedonian presidency “we will see some solutions” to the Ukrainian issue.

Following the joint statements, Nikos Dendias will hold a working lunch with Buyar Osmani, during which they are expected to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation and trade, regional and global cooperation, as well as security in Europe and the invasion of Ukraine.

Buyar Osmani: an example of good neighborliness, relations between Greece and North Macedonia

For his part, the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia expressed his satisfaction with his visit to Athens today. “It is always a pleasure to be in Athens among partners and friends,” he said, describing the climate between the two countries. In support, Bukhar Osmani stated that he was particularly pleased that the relationship between North Macedonia and Greece was a true example of good neighborliness. “An example of how we can build a long and stable partnership based on mutual trust and respect,” he added.

In particular, he touched upon the agreement between the two countries on their strategic relations, noting that the Prespa Agreement is the basis for further cooperation, as well as for the further strengthening of bilateral relations.

In fact, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia expressed appreciation for “the support that Greece has offered in the context of his country’s accession policy.” He added that North Macedonia expects Greece to continue to provide support through the exchange of experience and knowledge.

He also expressed his gratitude for the cooperation with Greece within the framework of the NATO alliance.

In addition, it became clear that good political relations between the two countries created new conditions for the development of economic cooperation. Significantly, he said that since 2018, since the Prespa Agreement, the total trade turnover between the two countries has increased by 100%, from 853 million euros, this year it will exceed 1.6 billion euros. These are excellent results, he emphasized and expressed his firm belief that the two countries can improve them. He also noted that Greek direct investment in North Macedonia, which amounts to 620 million euros, constitutes a large share of his country’s GDP, and expressed his desire to strengthen business relations and economic cooperation.

Referring to Serbia and Kosovo, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia said that they are facing difficult problems that actually lead to a sense of insecurity in the wider region, and therefore, as he suggested, a comprehensive solution brokered by the EU and the US will ensure stability and security for the entire region. He went on to say that Europe as a whole is facing perhaps the worst security crisis since World War II. In this context, he condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying that it violates all norms of international law and the UN Charter. “These principles are also valuable for any member of the international alliance,” he added.

Regarding his country’s accession to the OSCE Chairmanship in 2023, the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia outlined his country’s policy. “We will defend the principles and commitments of the OSCE,” he said.

Finally, Bujar Osmani extended an invitation to Nikos Dendias to visit Skopje to “confirm the excellent relations and continue the long friendship between the two countries.”

^{Source: RES-IPE}