North Macedonia, U.K. agree on boosting ties: PM

North Macedonia and Britain form strategic partnership to boost trade, investment, and security cooperation, enhancing bilateral relations.

North Macedonia and Britain have agreed on a major partnership deal that would boost trade and investment between the two countries, North Macedonia's Prime Minister said on Saturday (May 17, 2025).

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his North Macedonian counterpart Hristijan Mickoski finalised the strategic partnership agreement, the first of its kind between Skopje and London, on the sidelines of a summit of European leaders in Tirana on Friday.

"This partnership means much more than a bilateral engagement," Mr. Mickoski told a press conference in Skopje on Saturday.

Serving as a base for a six-billion-euro ($6.7-billion) investment cycle, "it will enable the strongest possible economic cooperation... including capital investments, infrastructure, health and energy," he added.

It also provides for cooperation in defence, fighting organised crime and human trafficking, education, healthcare, culture and youth policy, Mr. Mickoski said.

Matthew Lawson, British ambassador to North Macedonia, a NATO member country that hopes to join the EU, hailed the deal as a "highlight in our bilateral relations... built on common values and membership in NATO as well as very rich trade connection".

It will be formally signed in London next week, he said.