Bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and North Macedonia is to be strengthened
A joint statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia on further strengthening of bilateral cooperation is published by the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service. A Joint Statement according to which: Kazakhstan and North Macedonia confirm their interest in developing a trusting political dialogue, building up trade, economic, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation in a spirit of openness and mutual understanding was adopted by the Parties following the talks held between Mr. Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Mr. Bujar Osmani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia, on November 1, 2022 in Skopje. The decision of the Republic of Kazakhstan to open an Embassy in the Republic of North Macedonia in 2023, which will give an additional impetus to bilateral relations between the two countries, was welcomed by the Parties. The preparation and implementation of the official visit of H.E. Mr. Stevo Pendarovski, President of the Republic of North Macedonia, to Kazakhstan at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, will be worked on by the both sides. The first meeting of the joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation which will be held in Skopje on November 3, 2022, will contribute to further increase of mutual trade, expansion and diversity of the structure of trade turnover. It is welcomed by the representatives of the both countries. North Macedonia’s priorities for the OSCE Chairmanship in 2023 are supported by Kazakhstan, and the significant progress in the process of integration of North Macedonia into the EU is noted. Kazakhstan also wishes successful implementation of the outlined plans. The intention to continue the practice of holding regular political consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers is expressed by the Parties, and the 3rd round of consultations in Skopje in 2023 is agreed to be held. An 88% increase of the volume of mutual trade between the two countries in the first 7 months of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, despite the coronavirus pandemic and the global economic crisis, is noted with satisfaction by the Parties. Further expansion of the bilateral legal and contractual framework by signing agreements in the trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as in the field of security and the fight against organized crime, is agreed by the Parties. The importance of inter-parliamentary ties for interstate cooperation is acknowledged by the Parties, and the need for regular meetings of legislators, as well as their interaction at international events, is noted. The establishment of direct contacts between regions and universities, the exchange of tours of creative teams and the holding of Days of Culture in the territories of the two countries will be promoted by them. Common approach of the two countries on certain bilateral and international issues is noted, and each side will support initiatives within the framework of international organizations in conformity with the priorities and commitments of each side. A profound gratitude to the North Macedonia side for the hospitality during this visit was expressed by the Kazakhstan side.
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