Petrushevski urges assessment of Washington meetings; Zhernovski criticizes photos
Two leading figures offer opposing readings of short diplomatic encounters after meetings in Washington; debate centres on images and their political meaning.
Brane Petrushevski of VMRO‑DPMNE said officials need to "distill all impressions" from the meetings at the UN General Assembly and then judge what concrete results follow. He described the visits to Washington as an opportunity to reaffirm ties with a strategic partner and to seek support, investment and a better life for citizens.
Debate over photographs and the value of short meetings
Andrej Zhernovski of SDSM took a sharply different view, arguing that the images and brief clips coming out of Washington represent the lowest possible standard for a prime minister and foreign minister. "I don't remember any president, prime minister or minister, regardless of whether they are from VMRO‑DPMNE or SDSM, presenting themselves like this," he said, adding that on the photograph "Mucunski and the prime minister are on a 'donkey bench' sitting in the corner, so as a citizen it is uncomfortable for me to watch it."
Zhernovski also suggested the short filmed encounter with U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio could be classified as a "disturbing video," and criticised the portrayal of a 40‑second meeting as if it were a full conversation in which strategic‑dialogue talks took place.
Petrushevski rejected those accusations as "half‑truths and lies," emphasising that the prime minister held meetings with two congressmen and that the prime minister met with Secretary Rubio. He said the photographs and video showed cordiality and, judging by the greeting, that the officials appeared to be good friends.
"We are in the perimeter of this administration," Petrushevski said, arguing that this reality contradicts earlier claims from SDSM about the country's supposed privileged access to former President Trump through personal friendships.
The exchange highlights the political divide at home over how to evaluate short diplomatic encounters and their public presentation, with one camp urging cautious appraisal of all impressions and the other dismissing the imagery as undignified and insufficient.
Photo: press material from the event
