The talks focused on North Macedonia and its further European path. The two high officials stressed the important role that further reforms play in achieving political stability of the country and thereby the entire region. Minister Logar underlined that Slovenia will continue to devote particular attention to the enlargement process.

Minister Logar and Deputy Prime Minister Dimitrov also exchanged views on the EU enlargement process and Minister Logar voiced regret that the negotiating framework for North Macedonia allowing accession negotiations to start has not yet been approved. However, he welcomed the Enlargement Package recently published by the European Commission, which acknowledged the progress North Macedonia has made in the implementation of the necessary reforms. He also expressed the hope that the first intergovernmental conference between the EU and North Macedonia will be convened at the first possible opportunity following the adoption of the negotiating framework.

Minister Logar and Deputy Prime Minister Dimitrov also discussed Slovenia’s support for North Macedonia in its rapprochement with the EU. In this regard, the cooperation between the two countries largely consists of the exchange of experience and transfer of Slovenian knowledge in the context of adapting to European standards. Minister Logar pointed out that Slovenia will further seek to carry out development projects in North Macedonia, in particular bilateral technical assistance projects and projects aimed at promoting the North Macedonia’s EU integration. Slovenia is already providing technical assistance to North Macedonia in this field, an arrangement that will only increase this year. 

The two ministers went on to exchange their assessments of the current situation in the region and other international topics. Minister Logar underlined the importance of constructive relations with the neighbouring countries and of enhanced regional cooperation, while Deputy Prime Minister Dimitrov updated him on the latest developments in North Macedonia.

Minister Logar and Deputy Prime Minister Dimitrov highlighted that cooperation between Slovenia and North Macedonia is excellent at all levels. They committed to the continuation of the intensive regular political dialogue between Slovenia and North Macedonia, agreeing on the need to show solidarity in the present situation to address the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, Slovenia will provide material assistance of EUR 115,000 to help North Macedonia in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.