ATHENS — "The bilateral relations of Greece and North Macedonia have entered a new era," underlined President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou during her meeting with visiting Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, at the Presidential Mansion on Wednesday.

Sakellaropoulou congratulated Zaev on his re-election and underlined the importance of implementing the Prespes Agreement in its entirety, according to the letter and the spirit of the agreement, with the aim of deepening the two countries' bilateral relations.

She also pointed out Greece's steadfast support for North Macedonia's European perspective, according to the rules for the accession of a new member-states and based on the respect of good neighbour relations.

On his part, Zaev expressed his deep satisfaction to be visiting Greece at this time, noting that the Prespes Agreement is bearing fruit as bilateral relations have improved in all sectors. He also said that there are huge margins for cooperation with Greece, North Macedonia's strategic partner, with which it has ties of friendship and trust.

At the same time, Sakellaropoulou briefed Zaev on Turkey's destabilising actions and its illegal behaviour in the Aegean and in the Eastern Mediterranean. While the situation seems to show some improvement, said Sakellaropoulou, the EU and the neighbouring countries should send a clear message that violence does not create right and that the prosperity of peoples is based on the good neighbour relations.

On his part, Zaev said that Greece can depend on its friend, North Macedonia.