First-ever Swiss presidential visit to North Macedonia
Berne, 29.04.2026 — On Wednesday, 29 April, President Guy Parmelin met with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Speaker of Parliament Afrim Gashi, and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje. The presidential visit was accompanied by an economic delegation and focused on bilateral relations, in particular on economic exchange and the international cooperation programme.
Both sides acknowledged the partnership-based relations, which have been shaped by the 100,000-strong diaspora from North Macedonia in Switzerland and the international cooperation programmes in place since 1992. The current cooperation programme, which runs until 2028, supports reform processes in the areas of democratic governance, economic development, water management and environmental protection.
Although the value of economic trade is relatively modest at around CHF 185 million (2025), it is on the rise. Around 100 Swiss companies currently operate in North Macedonia. A business-friendly environment with legal certainty and strong institutions is crucial for deepening relations in the areas of trade, investment and innovation. The programme in Skopje also included a reception to mark the launch of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in North Macedonia.
In addition to bilateral relations, the situation in the Western Balkans was also on the agenda. Stability and prosperity in the region are a priority for Swiss foreign policy. On Wednesday, discussions focused on the significant progress that some countries in the region have made in terms of security, the development of democratic institutions, economic growth and regional cooperation, but also on the challenges that remain in implementing the necessary reforms.
Switzerland supports the European perspective of the Western Balkans in order to promote peace and prosperity in the region. A further topic of discussion was Switzerland’s current chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
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