North Macedonia has made ties with Israel ‘foreign-policy priority,’ FM tells 'Post' - exclusive

North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski, on his first official visit to Israel, declared that strengthening ties with Israel is a foreign-policy priority. He met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, signing cooperation agreements in education, culture, and sports, and discussed expanding ties in defense, investment, tourism, and water management. Mucunski highlighted the importance of establishing direct flights between Tel Aviv and Skopje or Ohrid to boost tourism and business. The visit reflects a deliberate policy under Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, who views stronger collaboration with Israel as a necessity for North Macedonia's success.

North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski, on his first official visit to Israel, declared that strengthening bilateral relations with Israel is a foreign-policy priority for his government. During a 24-hour visit on Monday, he met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, and the two signed cooperation agreements covering education, culture, and sports. Their discussions also focused on expanding ties in defense industries, investment, tourism, agriculture, water management, and restoring direct air links between Tel Aviv and Skopje or Ohrid. Mucunski emphasized that Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski views stronger collaboration with Israel as a necessity for North Macedonia's success. Sa'ar thanked North Macedonia for its support in international forums, particularly since the October 7 massacre. Mucunski highlighted Israel's dispatch of a medical delegation following the deadly nightclub fire in Kočani in March 2025, which left 63 dead, as proof of Israel's friendship. He positioned North Macedonia as a potential gateway for Israeli tourists and businesses seeking access to European markets.