Full Breakdown
North Macedonia Seeks Deeper Partnership with Israel
8/25/2026, 9:49:43 PM
Diplomatic Initiative and Agreements
During a 24-hour visit to Israel, Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski met his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar and signed two cooperation agreements covering education, culture, sports, water management, agriculture, investment and defense. The ministers also discussed establishing a direct flight between Tel Aviv and Skopje or Ohrid to boost tourism and business travel. Mucunski described the trip as his first official visit to Israel and said it would not be his last.
Policy Background
Mucunski said the outreach reflects a deliberate policy adopted by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, who has made stronger collaboration with Israel a foreign-policy priority since his government took office. Recent high-level contacts include Skopje Mayor Orce Gjiogjievski’s attendance at the MUNI EXPO in June and a parliamentary delegation led by MP Rashela Mizarahi in January. The Macedonian government views the country’s position on two major European transport corridors as a gateway for Israeli tourists and businesses seeking access to European markets.
Official Statements & Responses
He noted Israel’s medical assistance after the March 2025 nightclub fire in Kocani, which killed 63 people, as proof of Israel’s support.
Data & Statistics
- Two cooperation agreements were signed.
- The diplomatic visit lasted approximately 24 hours.
- The fire in Kocani resulted in 63 fatalities, prompting an Israeli medical delegation.
- Macedonia aims to become a gateway for Israeli tourists and investors, leveraging its location on major European transport routes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have had a very strong relationship with Israel, but also myself with Gideon, over the last few years,” — Timco Mucunski, foreign minister
- “North Macedonia has demonstrated its friendship by standing up to these attempts in the international arena,” — Gideon Sa’ar, foreign minister
- “Gideon Sa’ar was one of the first foreign ministers to call me,” — Timco Mucunski, foreign minister
- “They were performing surgery in our hospitals and helping our doctors with their experience and their in-depth knowledge, and helping to save the lives of many young individuals,” — Timco Mucunski, foreign minister
- “We can also be a gateway for Israelis who want to invest in a European market that hasn’t been fully utilized by the Israeli business community,” — Timco Mucunski, foreign minister
