North Macedonia opens first resident embassy in Lithuania

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia Timčo Mucunski payed a working visit to the Republic of Lithuania, during which he held a bilateral meeting with his Lithuanian counterpart, Kęstutis Budrys, and officially opened the first resident Embassy of the Republic of North Macedonia in Vilnius.

During the meeting with Minister Budrys, discussions focused on further strengthening political dialogue, economic cooperation, the European integration agenda, current security challenges and cooperation within the Euro-Atlantic alliance, CE Report informs via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia's official website.

Particular attention was paid to European integration, overcoming obstacles and accelerating the accession process. Minister Mucunski expressed gratitude for Lithuania's continued and principled support for the country's strategic goal of becoming a full member of the European Union.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing the reform agenda, as well as its constructive approach to finding a mutually acceptable solution through bilateral dialogue with its eastern neighbour, based on European values and principles.

The central event of the visit was the official opening of North Macedonia's Embassy in Vilnius, marking a new chapter in relations between the two countries and creating additional opportunities to deepen political, economic and institutional cooperation.

“For more than three decades, our two countries have been building a friendship based on mutual respect, trust and shared values,” Mucunski said.

He also expressed particular gratitude for the solidarity shown following the tragic fire in Kočani, when four of the most seriously injured patients were admitted for treatment in Vilnius and Kaunas.

“The Macedonian people will not forget this. The families in Kočani will not forget this. And I will not forget this,” Mucunski stressed.

The minister noted that the new diplomatic presence would create additional opportunities for economic, educational, cultural and technological cooperation.

“We see opportunities to deepen economic ties, increase trade and investment, connect our students, academic communities and artists, and work together in the fields of innovation and digital transformation,” Mucunski said.

Concluding his remarks, he emphasised the broader role of the new embassy in further strengthening ties between the two countries.

“This embassy will serve as a bridge between Skopje and Vilnius, between our institutions and business communities, and between our citizens. Together, our two diplomatic missions will create a stronger foundation for dialogue, cooperation and new opportunities that will bring tangible benefits to our citizens,” Mucunski said.

Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia