North Macedonia is seeking to significantly broaden its relationship with Israel, with cooperation in defense, investment, tourism, agriculture and water management emerging as key areas of interest.
Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski outlined the strategy during his first official visit to Israel, describing the existing relationship between the two countries as strong while arguing that it now needs to move into a wider range of practical partnerships.
Mucunski held talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Jerusalem during the brief diplomatic visit.
Two Countries Look Beyond Traditional Cooperation
The discussions resulted in the signing of two cooperation agreements covering education, culture and sports.
The ministers also directed their respective teams to examine additional opportunities in security, defense, innovation, health, agriculture, water management, tourism and investment.
Mucunski said the goal was to transform already positive political relations into deeper cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for both countries.
Direct Flights Seen as Key to Stronger Links
One of the immediate priorities discussed by the two foreign ministers was the restoration of a direct air connection between Israel and North Macedonia.
Mucunski said the two governments are exploring the possibility of establishing a route connecting Tel Aviv with either Skopje or Ohrid, the country’s major tourism centre.
He argued that a direct flight would make it easier for people and businesses to travel between the two countries while helping North Macedonia attract more Israeli visitors.
The foreign minister said his government would like to see Israeli tourists explore not only Skopje and Ohrid but also other parts of North Macedonia.
Defense and Investment Opportunities on the Agenda
Defense cooperation is another area where North Macedonia wants to strengthen its relationship with Israel.
Mucunski said the two sides discussed potential cooperation between their defense industries, alongside opportunities to increase Israeli investment in North Macedonia.
The Balkan country is seeking to present itself as an attractive location for Israeli companies looking to expand into European markets.
Mickoski Government Backs Closer Israeli Partnership
Mucunski said the policy has strong backing from Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, whose government has identified closer cooperation with Israel as one of its foreign policy priorities.
He said the two countries share a number of common values and that North Macedonia sees opportunities to learn from Israel in several areas.
Mucunski also noted that he maintains regular communication with Sa’ar, even though Monday’s visit marked his first official trip to Israel.
Israel Praises North Macedonia’s Support
Sa’ar welcomed North Macedonia’s diplomatic support for Israel, particularly in international forums following the October 7 attacks.
The Israeli foreign minister said North Macedonia had demonstrated its friendship by supporting Israel in international settings and highlighted the country’s voting record.
He stressed that Israel values countries that remain supportive during difficult periods.
Medical Support Strengthened Bilateral Ties
Mucunski pointed to the deadly nightclub fire in Kočani in March 2025 as another example of the relationship between the two countries.
The disaster claimed 63 lives and prompted an immediate response from Israel, which sent a medical delegation to North Macedonia to assist with the treatment of victims.
Mucunski recalled that Sa’ar was among the first foreign ministers to contact him after the tragedy.
Israeli doctors subsequently worked alongside Macedonian medical teams in local hospitals, performing surgeries and sharing their expertise.
For Mucunski, the response demonstrated that the relationship between the two countries extends beyond diplomatic statements and can translate into practical assistance during a crisis.
North Macedonia Wants to Become Israel’s European Gateway
Beyond tourism, Mucunski is seeking to position North Macedonia as a potential gateway for Israeli businesses entering European markets.
He highlighted the country’s location along two major European transport corridors and pointed to ongoing investment in energy connectivity and efforts to attract international investors.
The minister said North Macedonia could offer Israeli companies an underutilised European investment destination while also serving as a bridge into wider European markets.
High-Level Contacts Are Increasing
Mucunski’s visit is part of a broader pattern of increased engagement between North Macedonia and Israel.
Skopje Mayor Orce Gjiogjievski travelled to Israel for MUNI EXPO in June, while MP Rashela Mizarahi led a North Macedonian parliamentary delegation to the country in January.
The growing number of high-level visits reflects what Mucunski described as a deliberate effort by the government to expand bilateral relations.
More Visits Expected as Cooperation Expands
Although Mucunski’s visit lasted only about 24 hours, the foreign minister indicated that it would not be his last trip to Israel.
He expressed confidence that the relationship would continue to develop as both countries explore new areas of cooperation.
The immediate priorities include strengthening defense and economic links, improving tourism connections, expanding investment and developing practical cooperation in sectors such as agriculture and water management.
What’s Next
The next stage will likely involve government and industry teams from both countries examining the opportunities identified during the talks.
The proposed direct air connection could become an important early test of the two governments’ plans to increase people-to-people and commercial links, while negotiations in defense, investment, agriculture and water management could create longer-term partnerships.
Summary
North Macedonia is placing stronger relations with Israel at the centre of its foreign policy agenda, according to Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski.
The two countries have agreed to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including defense, investment, tourism, health, agriculture, water management and education.
Skopje is also pursuing a direct flight to Israel and hopes to establish itself as a European gateway for Israeli tourists and businesses.
Recent Israeli medical assistance following the Kočani nightclub disaster has further reinforced ties, while a growing number of high-level visits signals that both governments intend to deepen the partnership.
