The Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia for European Affairs, Fatmir Besimi, PhD, congladulated the appointment to the ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands in the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Willem Wouter Plomp on today’s meeting.

At the meeting with the ambassador, Deputy Prime Minister Besimi stressed that the Netherlands is traditionally one of the biggest supporters of our Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations, with particular support in building the necessary capacities of our administration, as well as the economic prosperity of the country.

The discussion focused on the activities undertaken to implement the key reforms of the country's European agenda, with a particular focus on the areas of the judiciary, fight against corruption and organised crime, freedom of expression, electoral reform, fundamental rights and inter ethnic relations as well as the economic criteria. Therefore, the importance of fulfilling the commitments of the political agreement was highlighted.

Regarding the current migrant situation, Deputy Prime Minister Besimi emphasized the need for active involvement of the Western Balkans in the single EU approach towards migrant crisis, since Macedonia is a transit route for migrants in the region.