As part of his participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, Macedonian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski spoke at a panel focused on new opportunities in regional and intercontinental connectivity, titled “New Opportunities in Connectivity.”
FM Mucunski stressed that connectivity is a key factor for economic resilience, regional stability and sustainable development, especially amid geopolitical uncertainty and changes in global supply chains. He further underlined that the Republic of North Macedonia, as a country strategically positioned at the crossroads between Europe and the broader Eurasian region, plays an active role in enhancing regional infrastructure and transport connectivity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign trade said in a press release.
Special focus was given to Corridor VIII, as one of the key east-west routes linking the Adriatic and Black Sea regions. FM Mucunski underscored that its full completion and effective connection with neighboring countries is a strategic priority, also stressing the importance of the rail link with the Republic of Bulgaria as part of the European transport networks.
In the context of new global initiatives for the diversification of transport and trade routes, Mucunski also referred to Corridor X, emphasizing North Macedonia’s role in European connectivity initiatives, including the European Union’s efforts to develop sustainable infrastructure linking the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the broader Eurasian region.
It was also noted that the country is ready to actively participate in multilateral cooperation formats to overcome technical, regulatory, and financial barriers. In this context, the importance of enhanced coordination between governments, international financial institutions and the private sector was underlined.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT), Minister Mucunski’s part in the panel reaffirmed North Macedonia’s commitment to active regional cooperation, promoting value-added infrastructure projects and contributing to a stable, secure, and economically connected Europe.
