Siljanovska-Lambert meeting: Belgium is a sincere ally in the European integration process of Macedonia

President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova today received the credentials of the newly appointed ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium, based in Sofia, Pol Lambert.

At the ceremony of handing over credentials, President Siljanovska Davkova, as announced by her cabinet, ordered that Belgium is a great friend and sincere ally in the European integration process of Macedonia and that on the 30th anniversary of the history of diplomatic relations, both countries manage to build diplomatic political relations and a solid level of mutual cooperation in several fields.

"Belgium, as one of the founding countries of the European Union, was and remains a strong promoter of our European integration processes. We deserve the start of accession negotiations without further delay. The government and I remain fully committed to reforms related to European integration. This process must be carried out in accordance with the Copenhagen criteria. If the reintegration in Europe is not de-bilateralized, a harmful precedent will be repeated in the case of other countries in the region", emphasized the president in the welcoming speech.

Emphasizing that the people of Macedonia maintain the same values ​​as the Belgians, the president expressed expectation that the ambassador will contribute to our European integration.

"We have no doubts 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 Macedonian institutions and citizens, will raise a new wave of dedication to the European idea", stressed Siljanovska Davkova.

Emphasizing that Belgium is our important trade partner, President Siljanovska Davkova expressed interest and readiness for the intensification and deepening of joint cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, while above all, in economic terms.

Ambassador Lambert in his speech, noting the continuity of three decades of bilateral relations, built on shared values ​​and commitments, emphasized that Belgium recognizes the important role that our country, as a member of NATO, plays for global security and the stability of the region.

"Your country is fully in line with the EU's common foreign and security policy, including in relation to the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, thus sending a strong signal of its strategic choice - the EU and was confirmed as a reliable partner. You constantly prove your political commitment to European integration, as well as your ambition to move forward in negotiations", emphasized Ambassador Lambert.

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, the creation of new jobs and improving the standard of living and evidenced the interest of Belgian companies in our country.

President Siljanovska Davkova wished the ambassador a successful completion of his diplomatic mission and expressed confidence that he will engage in strengthening friendly relations.