The Greek Foreign Ministry announced this week that its officials will travel to Skopje in the next few days to discuss confidence-building measures with the government in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).
Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias revealed the news on Thursday, informing journalists that MFA political director Petros Mavroidis would be making the trip after meeting with FYROM’s Deputy Prime Minister Fatmir Besimi in Athens.
Mr Kotzias said he may reveal more about the discussions when he visits Skopje later this month as part of a tour of the Western Balkans.
“I would be getting ahead of myself if I mentioned measures, because we have to agree on them first,” said the Greek diplomat. “As I always say, when one is negotiating, it isn’t good to talk about it.”
Mr Kotzias praised Deputy Prime Minister Besimi, a member of FYROM’s Albanian community, as a “young, talented politician”.
“We always tell our European partners that realistic and reasonable voices like Mr Besimi’s must be listened to with care in Europe,” added Mr Kotzias.
Mr Besimi said that he sees an opportunity for Greece and FYROM to resolve their differences, and welcomed Mr Kotzias’ decision to visit Skopje.
“Neighbours have no other choice but to be good friends,” said the visiting envoy.
