Erdogan receives North Macedonian premier in Istanbul

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday received North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski for closed-door consultations at Istanbul's Dolmabahce Palace, as diplomatic sources said the discussions covered regional developments and bilateral cooperation frameworks. The encounter took place amid ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Ankara and Skopje, though presidential aides did not immediately provide specifics regarding the meeting's agenda.

Strategic partnership

Mickoski assumed office earlier this year following his party's victory in parliamentary elections, with his administration maintaining the previous government's commitment to advancing North Atlantic Treaty Organization integration and European Union accession processes that enjoy consistent support from Turkish authorities. Ankara and Skopje maintain robust diplomatic channels, with Türkiye having recognized North Macedonia under its constitutional name and supported its NATO membership bid—efforts that continue to shape the strategic partnership between the two capitals.

Regional engagement

Turkish officials have repeatedly emphasized their backing for North Macedonia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, positions that align with broader Ankara objectives to foster stability in the Western Balkans. Saturday's meeting represents the latest high-level exchange between the neighboring nations this year, and diplomatic sources said energy cooperation and infrastructure projects featured prominently in the bilateral discussions.