Turkey Aims to Double Trade with North Macedonia to $2 Billion

In a recent diplomatic visit to Skopje, Hakan Fidan, Turkey's Foreign Minister, expressed Turkey's ambition to significantly enhance trade relations with North Macedonia. The goal is to double the current trade volume, reaching an annual $2 billion.

During talks with North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Timcho Mutsunski, Fidan proposed the establishment of a "strategic council for cooperation" to facilitate this economic growth. Currently, Turkey ranks as North Macedonia's seventh-largest trade partner, highlighting the potential for expansion in their economic ties.

North Macedonia, a country of approximately 2 million people, has been on a path of significant change and development since gaining independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. In 2019, the country changed its name from Macedonia to North Macedonia, resolving a long-standing dispute with Greece. This move paved the way for increased international cooperation, including NATO membership in 2020 and ongoing candidacy for European Union membership.

The Turkish community in North Macedonia, comprising nearly 4% of the population, was also a topic of discussion during the ministerial meeting. This demographic reflects the diverse ethnic composition of North Macedonia, which includes Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, and Roma, among others.

Fidan also addressed Turkey's concerns regarding the Gulen movement, which Ankara designates as a terrorist organization known as FETO. Turkey has been seeking cooperation from various countries, including North Macedonia, in combating this group since a failed coup attempt in 2016. North Macedonian authorities have stated that they are cooperating within the bounds of domestic laws and international agreements, though no extraditions related to alleged FETO members have occurred thus far.

The diplomatic visit included planned meetings with North Macedonia's parliament speaker, Afrim Gashi, and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, underscoring the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries.

North Macedonia's rich history, dating back to ancient times, and its strategic location in the Balkans make it an important partner for Turkey. The country boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the city of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes. These cultural and natural treasures, along with the Šar Planina mountain range, contribute to North Macedonia's growing tourism sector.

As both countries work towards strengthening their economic ties, they build upon a foundation of historical connections. Turkey was among the first countries to recognize North Macedonia's independence in 1991, and the Ottoman Empire's centuries-long rule in the region has left lasting influences on the country's culture and architecture.

This diplomatic engagement comes as North Macedonia continues to navigate its transitional economy and pursue economic reforms. The proposed increase in trade with Turkey could play a significant role in the country's ongoing development and integration into the global economy.