Zoran Zaev: Greece Must Take Over the Balkan Leadership

Zoran Zaev 

 North Macedonia Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has made a surprising statement, stressing that "Greece must take over the leadership of the Balkans". Zaev's argument on this declaration is that "Greece is the oldest member state of the EU, the oldest member of NATO".

In an interview to IBNA, Zaev referred to his first meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the 74th UN General Assembly.

"For me it is always a pleasure to meet representatives of a friendly country and Greece is friendly with our country. Since the signing of the Prespa Agreement, our only goal has been to build a friendship, to move towards prosperity for both countries, and of course I have always taken the opportunity to wish prosperity, joy, contentment, good life and cooperation with the citizens of North Macedonia. We discussed the implementation of the Prespa Agreement, which is very important for both parties, as will be visible to both parties. We have obligations to fulfill, some have been fulfilled earlier than required by our citizens and to show to the citizens of Greece our sincere friendship." Zaev said.

Skopje's prime minister also referred to his country's European course, saying it was an issue he discussed with Mitsotakis.

“It is absolutely the intention of a friendly country to support its northern neighbor, the Republic of North Macedonia. In this respect the Greek side is happy to support us in the European Council.

On this occasion, I share the feeling that Greece really needs to take over the leadership of the Balkans, because Greece is the oldest member state of the EU, the oldest member state of NATO. The Mitsotakis government has the opportunity and will normally develop its own policies. But the feeling for me, as the prime minister of North Macedonia, and other prime ministers and leaders of the region, is that we expect leadership from Greece, as the Thessaloniki agenda of 2003 has given us encouragement for a European course as well.

We are committed. In our country, 83% of the citizens are in favor of EU membership. Given this path, Greece would normally have to take its rightful place in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. It is not an opportunity before us and I know that Greece will now support us in the European Council so that we can have a date to start a dialogue with the EU,” he said.