India and North Macedonia agree to enhance trade and cooperation in key sectors
New Delhi, July 21
President Droupadi Murmu today said India and North Macedonia have reaffirmed their deep and friendly ties, based on shared democratic values and mutual respect. She also announced that India will double the number of ITEC training slots for North Macedonia, including courses in artificial intelligence. Addressing the media in Skopje after talks with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President Murmu said both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues.
The President said India and North Macedonia agreed to promote greater trade and investment, while expanding cooperation in sectors such as IT and IT-enabled services, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, biotechnology, tourism, hospitality and film-making. She said the India-North Macedonia Business Forum will provide a valuable platform to strengthen economic engagement.
President Murmu welcomed North Macedonia’s intent to join global initiatives led by India, including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Highlighting cultural ties, the President said both countries will renew the Memorandum of Understanding on healthcare cooperation, with a special focus on traditional systems of medicine. She also expressed happiness over the joint unveiling of a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of Skopje, describing it as a symbol of the shared values that unite the people of India and North Macedonia.
President Murmu expressed confidence that her landmark visit will further strengthen the multifaceted partnership between the two countries and take bilateral relations to new heights.
Earlier, President Murmu received a warm ceremonial welcome at Villa Vodno, the official residence of the President of North Macedonia, in Skopje. The welcome marked the beginning of her state engagements during her historic visit to the country. President Murmu was received by the President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, at Villa Vodno. A ceremonial guard of honour was presented to the visiting Indian President, followed by the playing of the national anthems of India and North Macedonia.
As part of her historic State Visit to North Macedonia, President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to one of the country’s most revered national heroes, Gotce Delchev. President Murmu laid a wreath at the grave of Goce Delčev, located at the Church of St. Spas in Skopje. The ceremony reflected India’s respect for North Macedonia’s rich history and its national heroes.
President Murmu’s visit is the first-ever visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia, marking an important milestone in India-North Macedonia relations. The visit reflects India’s commitment to expanding cooperation with countries in the Balkan region.