Arsovski: The new government in Skopje seeks closer ties with Serbia

Political analyst from Skopje, Petar Arsovski, stated that the new government in North Macedonia aims for closer ties with Serbia and noted that the two countries share common goals, despite contentious issues like Kosovo.

For Arsovski, this was the main message from today's meeting between Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and the head of North Macedonia's government, Hristijan Mickoski.

"Apart from the usual messages about energy cooperation, gas infrastructure, and deepened regional collaboration, I believe the main political message is that Macedonia, under its new government, has a new strategic direction. Instead of the previous unipolar focus on the EU, NATO, and the West, there is now a shift towards greater equidistance, signaling closer ties with Serbia, as Serbia has long pursued a policy of equidistance. I think the key political message is that we can move away from the previously strained relations, including with Orban and Serbia," Arsovski said.

He added that the trend of strengthening ties with Serbia will continue.

"I believe this trend will persist. I think Macedonia will continue to have close cooperation with Serbia. Some aspects of this have already been resolved, such as energy infrastructure and gas infrastructure. However, I expect further deepened political cooperation, including adopting some political doctrines from Belgrade in Skopje," the analyst noted.
According to Arsovski, Serbia and North Macedonia share common goals but also points of contention.

"I believe the common goals for Macedonia and Serbia include expectations that the European Union will bring more progress than what has been achieved so far, and perhaps a sense of national pride. The main point of contention, of course, is Kosovo, as Macedonia has a significant Albanian minority and a different policy on recognizing Kosovo compared to Serbia," Arsovski concluded.