Erdoğan and North Macedonia’s Mickoski hold economic talks in Istanbul, reaffirm strategic partnership

A friendly, strategic meeting

President Erdoğan and Prime Minister Mickoski met in Istanbul on 13 June 2026. A government statement from Skopje said the meeting confirmed the "traditionally close, friendly and strategic cooperation" between the two countries. The leaders expressed mutual satisfaction with excellent political relations founded on respect, trust and what the statement called sincere friendship between the two peoples.

Economic agenda dominates

Both sides examined ways to deepen economic ties, including increasing bilateral trade, attracting new Turkish investments, and promoting cooperation in infrastructure, energy, tourism, education and defence. Mickoski described Turkey as a significant economic and political partner and stressed his government’s commitment to creating a favourable, predictable business environment for Turkish companies and job creation. Erdoğan confirmed Turkey’s support for North Macedonia’s development and prosperity, expressing readiness to strengthen relations in all areas of mutual interest.

Business forum on the sidelines

Mickoski had been in Istanbul since the previous day, where he addressed a business forum devoted to Turkish-North Macedonian economic cooperation. He noted growing interest from Turkish firms in investing in North Macedonia and invited them to join what he called the country’s "development story."

What the two leaders said

President Erdoğan confirmed Turkey’s support for the development and prosperity of our country, as well as the readiness for further strengthening of bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest.

Mickoski’s office underlined the commitment to a predictable investment climate and new jobs, while Erdoğan’s side echoed the message of enduring strategic partnership.