Sweden and Finland strongly support Macedonia’s EU accession

Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov expressed hope on Monday that Macedonia will get a clear recommendation for the start of EU accession talks in 2018, the year when the country marks the 25. anniversary from establishment of diplomatic ties with Sweden and Finland. FM Dimitrov held a joint press conference with Swedish and Finnish counterparts, Margot Wallstrom and Timo Soini respectively, who are paying a visit to Macedonia. FMs Wallstrom and Soini voiced their countries’ firm support to Macedonia’s EU integration. Finland’s minister Soini said Macedonia is the first country he is visiting alongside his Swedish colleague. Discussions also tackled the name issue, with FM Soini saying Finland and Sweden are encouraged by recent results, also voicing satisfaction from the friendship treaty signed with Bulgaria. Dimitrov and Soini also referred to the Finnish education system, which is seen as one of the best in the world, and the possibilities for transfer of certain experiences in Macedonia. The three ministers also agreed on enhancement of bilateral cooperation at a higher level.