Ioannis Malukos Presented as Greece's New Ambassador to North Macedonia
President Gordana Siljanovska‑Davkova received his credentials and urged stronger Greek engagement on EU enlargement and regional projects.
President Gordana Siljanovska‑Davkova received the credentials of Ioannis Malukos today, who arrives in Skopje as the newly appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to North Macedonia.
Diplomatic priorities and EU focus
During the ceremony the president described Greece as an important neighbour and a potential strategic partner, and voiced a clear expectation that the appointment will open a new chapter in bilateral relations "in the spirit of good‑neighbourliness, built through bona fide policy."
Siljanovska‑Davkova underlined Greece’s role as the EU member state with the longest experience in the Union and said it bears a historical and political responsibility for the European integration of the Western Balkans. She called for increased Greek engagement ahead of the Greek presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2027, with particular reference to delivering on the promises of the Thessaloniki agenda from 2003.
On economic ties, the president singled out Corridor 10 and the planned gas interconnector as strategic projects for both countries, saying they can provide greater connectivity, economic growth and regional energy security.
She also welcomed the Greek initiative to nominate the Prespa region for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List and expressed confidence in cultural diplomacy, citing the "fantastic success" of the joint Greek‑Bulgarian‑Macedonian staging of the scenic cantata "Carmina Burana" as an example.
Ambassador Malukos pledged commitment to good‑neighbourly relations based on constructive political dialogue and respect for international law. He promised strong Greek support for North Macedonia’s EU path and said enlargement of the Union with Western Balkan countries will be a priority for Greece during its upcoming Council presidency. He also described the activity of Greek companies in the country as an important economic bridge.
Photo: press material from the event
