Egypt willing to strengthen bilateral cooperation with North Macedonia: Shoukry

Egypt is key partner of Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe: North Macedonia FM

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed that Egypt has the political will to develop relations with North Macedonia, explaining that his talks with his Macedonian counterpart Boyar Osmani dealt with enhancing relations in various fields.
Shoukry said at a press conference with Osmani, that it was agreed to activate the political consultation with North Macedonia, noting that he will visit North Macedonia next year at the invitation of his Macedonian counterpart to exchange views and work on exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries.
The Foreign Minister also pointed out that they discussed the situation in the Western Balkans and the Middle East and the challenges facing them, explaining that they also discussed the Palestinian issue, the situation in Libya, terrorism issues and the efforts made by Egypt to control illegal migration.
He affirmed that Egypt continues in all its efforts for relations based on mutual respect with North Macedonia.
Shoukry stressed that there is a political will to continue cooperation between Egypt and Macedonia, as well as cooperation with the group of Mediterranean partners of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
He pointed out that the Egyptian position is consistent with the Arab brothers on the Arab-Chinese summit, and there is interest from Arab countries in strengthening relations with the Chinese partner in many cultural, political and economic fields.
He stressed that communication with China is not seen as affecting Egypt's relationship with other countries, referring to the United States.
He noted that it was agreed to continue the political dialogue between Egypt and North Macedonia to advance and upgrade relations.
He added that the relations between the two countries are based on friendship and mutual respect on the establishment of constructive relations between the two countries.
Shoukry stressed that his consultations with the minister of foreign affairs of North Macedonia touched on the file of illegal migration, explaining that he briefed the Macedonian minister on the great role played by Egypt to combat the phenomenon of illegal migration and provide employment opportunities for Egyptian citizens to protect them from the dangerous fate of illegal migration, noting Egypt's commitment to legal frameworks dealing with the issue of illegal migration.
He explained that Egypt hosts about six million refugees and provides them with livelihoods, care and full support, stressing the need for European and international partners to support Egyptian efforts in combating illegal migration.
For his part, Boyar Osmani, the minister of foreign affairs of North Macedonia, explained that an extensive discussion was held on illegal migration, stressing his country's appreciation for the Egyptian role in confronting illegality and these efforts must be supported.
He pointed out that there are four million people who have crossed the Macedonian border, which prompted his country to put an end to the matter, explaining that his country has prevented the migration of millions from Greece to North Macedonia from January to now.
Osmani said that an agreement was reached with Foreign Minister Shoukry on strengthening economic relations.
He added that Egypt is a key partner in the OSCE and plays an important role in the organization.
He pointed out that the Russian-Ukrainian war was discussed, as well as a number of issues on terrorism and other important issues.
The minister explained that consultations were held on ways to develop many and multiple areas of communication and prospects between the two countries, stressing the importance of expanding economic cooperation and areas of cooperation.
Osmani said that the talks touched on issues in the Mediterranean basin, especially the Union for the Mediterranean, pointing out that Egypt is a key partner for his country and in the EU security and cooperation system.