North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister, Timcho Mucunski, paid a visit on Wednesday to Pustec, where he held meetings with the local Macedonian community.

Speaking to the media, Mucunski stated that the government of North Macedonia needs to do more for this community, adding that he will request from his Albanian counterpart the opening of a Macedonian consulate in the city of Korçë.

“Here in Pustec we have our Macedonian community. I came with the Minister of Interior and shortly the Minister of Culture will join us. This community has contributed to Albanian society, and we as a government must do more for the Macedonian minority in Pustec.

We need to fund social and cultural projects in this area. A higher level of consular service is required — not just issuing passports, but addressing other aspects too.

Next week I will meet with my colleague Igli Hasani in Ohrid. We have a fantastic relationship. I will also request from the Albanian minister the opening of a Macedonian consulate in Korçë,” Mucunski said.

When asked about the meetings held by the Albanian and Kosovar prime ministers with Albanian political parties in North Macedonia, Mucunski replied:

“The Albanian and Kosovar prime ministers were invited yesterday to a successful summit on the European agenda. I can say it went well. Political activities are normal everywhere. I am a firm believer in democracy. Yes, elections are approaching, and as the governing coalition, we are confident that we will win based on the work we have done. We are a multiethnic society,” he said.