When talking to Minister Osmani, Minister Fajon stressed that Slovenia will continue to pay special attention to the Western Balkans region and the enlargement process. She went on to congratulate to the Government of North Macedonia and the Macedonian people on the historic achievement of the launch of accession negotiations. ''I am aware that the beginning was painful and difficult, but now we need to focus on the reform process, which is in the interest of all citizens, and on the necessary amendment of the Constitution. North Macedonia's EU membership by 2030 is a realistic and achievable goal," she said.

"Slovenia will continue to use its experience to help North Macedonia on its European path. I am particularly pleased with the recently published enlargement package and the European Commission's assessment, which confirmed North Macedonia's determination to implement EU-related reforms. I expect that a second EU-North Macedonia intergovernmental conference will be convened as soon as the ongoing review of the alignment of the Macedonian legislation is completed," the Minister stressed. She also commended the 100% alignment of Macedonia's foreign policy with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Minister Fajon and Minister Osmani assessed the cooperation between their respective countries as very good, especially in the political and economic fields. They advocated a continuation of positive economic trends and a regular and intensive political dialogue between the two countries, agreeing that in the current situation, it is imperative we show solidarity when addressing the economic and social effects of the energy crisis.

Among the topics discussed was Slovenia's assistance to North Macedonia's EU accession. A large part of the cooperation between the two countries is linked to the exchange of experience and the transfer of Slovenian know-how in the context of adapting to European standards. This type of assistance is already being implemented very successfully by Slovenia and is financed through development cooperation from the funds earmarked for bilateral technical assistance.

The two ministers also exchanged views on the current situation in the region and on other topical international issues, with Minister Osmani briefing Minister Fajon on the current political situation in the country.

Minister Fajon also met President of the Republic of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski, with whom she advocated the continuation of the Brdo-Brijuni Process, President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia Talat Xhaferi, who will visit Slovenia early next year, and Deputy of the Prime Minister in charge of economic affairs, coordination of economic sectors and investments Fatmir Bytyqi. In conversation with the latter, Minister Fajon clearly expressed her willingness to assist Slovenian companies in the North Macedonian market.

At the end of the visit, she also met with representatives of civil society and of Slovenian companies operating in North Macedonia