The ministers gave a positive assessment of bilateral relations, noting the growing political and economic contacts, trade, and people-to-people links between our two nations.

Another important subject involved security. The foreign ministers exchanged their assessments of the current international situation, particularly Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, and discussed preparations for this year’s NATO summit in Ankara.

In this context, the ministers jointly emphasised the need to further increase defence spending to bolster Europe’s security. They also discussed cooperation on modernising North Macedonia’s armed forces, including possible involvement of Poland’s defence industry.

“Poland is an example of bold and strategic decisions. This is the direction we, as NATO allies, must follow,” stressed Minister Timcho Mucunski.

The talks also covered the prospects for EU enlargement, including into Western Balkan countries, as well as the regional situation in the context of the Russian Federation’s actions, including disinformation. The ministers agreed that expanding the area of security, stability, and prosperity by supporting countries aspiring to EU membership—in both the south and the east—is nowadays a geopolitical necessity.

“Poland fully supports North Macedonia’s European aspirations. We are ready to share our experience of the pre-accession period and our expert knowledge on accession negotiations—to the extent that this is desired by our partners,” emphasised Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski.

The meeting reaffirmed the very good relations between Poland and North Macedonia and our shared approach to the key challenges facing Europe and the North Atlantic Alliance today.

 

Photo: Marcin Maniewski/MFA