PM Tsipras in North Macedonia Outlines Joint Projects: Making Up for 30 Years of Lost Ground

Today, Greece and North Macedonia begin to regain the lost ground and to establish a deep friendship between the governments and two peoples, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Tuesday from Skopje, at joint press conference with North Macedonia Prime Minister Zoran Zaev after the end of their meeting. 

Referring to the positive outcome of the Prespes Agreement signed between the two countries to resolve a long-standing name dispute which led to the visit, Tsipras said, "This Agreement has very strong foundations visible even to those who have recently cast doubt on it."

"We have lost a lot of time, three decades' worth, and we must cover that distance," the Greek PM said, reiterating that the Agreement's benefits will become more visible and convince those doubting it. The relationship built with North Macedonia, he said, is "a multilevel strategic relationship with great prospects but to move forward with our relations we must guarantee that it stands on firm ground."

Tsipras, who is heading a delegation of ministers and business owners during his Skopje visit, also outlined infrastructural projects that will boost trade and communications between the two neighbouring countries.