On February 2, Clément Beaune, Minister of State for European Affairs, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, met with Bojan Maricic, the Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, and Bujar Osmani, the Macedonian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Clément Beaune emphasized France's full support for North Macedonia's European perspective. He encouraged the Macedonian authorities to continue to pursue the necessary reforms, in particular with regards to the rule of law, which is at the heart of the European project.
The minister and his two interlocutors also discussed the conflict between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. Clément Beaune commended the two countries on the positive tone of their current talks and called for a balanced and mutually acceptable compromise. He emphasized that if they were to reach an agreement, France would play its full part in its capacity as the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union with the goal of formally beginning accession negotiations between North Macedonia and the European Union.
The minister applauded the excellent bilateral relations between France and North Macedonia and underscored their economic potential. He cited North Macedonia's positive role in regional cooperation and its contribution to stability in the Western Balkans.