Skopje [North Macedonia], July 21 (ANI): India and North Macedonia have agreed to double their bilateral trade, President Droupadi Murmu announced on Tuesday during her state visit, the first by an Indian president to the Balkan nation.
Addressing a joint press statement with North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova following delegation-level talks, President Murmu expressed confidence that the landmark visit would open a new chapter in bilateral relations.
“This is the first-ever state visit by an Indian president to North Macedonia since the establishment of our diplomatic relations. I am confident that this visit will herald a new chapter in our bilateral relationship,” President Murmu said.
Highlighting economic cooperation as a key pillar of the partnership, President Murmu said both countries had identified several sectors for expanding commercial engagement.
“Economic cooperation is an extremely important pillar of our bilateral relationship. We agreed to promote greater trade and investment and encourage closer cooperation between our businesses. We also agreed to expand our bilateral trade to double its current volume. We discussed cooperation in key sectors, including IT, ITES, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, biotech, tourism, hospitality and skill development,” she said, adding that the India-North Macedonia Business Forum would provide a strong platform to advance these goals.
President Murmu also announced a major capacity-building initiative, confirming an increase in educational and technical assistance for North Macedonia.
“I take this opportunity to announce our decision to double the number of ITEC training slots for North Macedonia, which will also include courses in artificial intelligence,” she said.
Emphasizing healthcare and global cooperation, the president welcomed North Macedonia’s intention to join several India-led international initiatives.
“We are also renewing our bilateral MoU on cooperation in healthcare. We agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of healthcare, particularly for the promotion of traditional systems of medicine,” she said. “India seeks to foster international cooperation through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Global Biofuels Alliance. I welcome North Macedonia’s intention to join these initiatives.”
To mark the enduring friendship between the two countries, President Murmu announced the joint unveiling of a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the capital.
“I am looking forward to jointly unveiling with Her Excellency, the President of North Macedonia, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of Skopje. This is a special gift from the people of India to the people of North Macedonia and symbolizes the shared values and principles that unite our two nations,” she said.
President Murmu arrived in Skopje on Monday night on the second leg of her three-nation state visit. Upon her arrival, she was welcomed by Timcho Mucunski, North Macedonia’s minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade.
On Tuesday morning, President Murmu received a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honor from President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova at Villa Vodno in Skopje.
The two leaders held wide-ranging bilateral discussions covering the full spectrum of cooperation, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening India-North Macedonia relations based on shared democratic values and mutual respect.
As part of her official engagements, President Murmu also laid a wreath at the grave of revolutionary leader Goce Delcev at the Church of St. Spas in Skopje. (ANI)
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