The minister of energy, mining and mineral resources, Sanja Bozhinovska held a series of bilateral meetings with high-ranking representatives from international organizations, financial institutions and regional partners at the margins of the 14th International Forum on Energy and Sustainable Development – ​​IFESD-14, held this year in Skopje.
The focus of the meetings was placed on deepening energy cooperation, exchanging experiences in the energy transition, as well as on opportunities for new investments and strengthening the regional energy infrastructure.
Meeting with Ms. Tatiana Molcean, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Minister Bozhinovska and Ms. Molcean discussed the promotion of cooperation between Macedonia and UNECE, especially in the area of ​​sustainable energy, digital transformation and the green economy.
Bozhinovska stressed the importance of the expert support provided by UNECE in the field of energy efficiency and natural resource management, while Molcean emphasized that Macedonia is an example of a constructive partner within the Commission and announced readiness for further cooperation in the implementation of the new energy standards.
Meeting with Ms. Inga Pkhaladze, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Georgia
Minister Bozhinovska and her Georgian colleague discussed the experiences of the two countries in implementing reforms in the energy sector and the development of renewable energy sources.
The two interlocutors exchanged information on the state of the energy sector in their countries and the progress in the green transition and the challenges they face in the integration of new technologies and regional connectivity.
Both sides expressed interest for future technical cooperation and exchange of expertise.
Meeting with Ms. Jovana Joksimovic, Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy of Serbia
The meeting was focused on the progress of the construction of the gas interconnector between Macedonia and Serbia, a project of strategic importance for energy security and regional integration. Bozhinovska and Joksimovic also discussed the harmonization of regulations and plans for joint submission to European funds for green infrastructure. Minister Bozhinovska emphasized that the interconnector will redefine the energy map of the region and create new opportunities for economic development and investment.
Meeting with Mr. Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat
During this meeting, Bozhinovska and Lorkowski discussed Macedonia’s progress in implementing the obligations of the Energy Community Treaty, especially in the area of ​​decarbonization and liberalization of the electricity market.
Bozhinovska stressed that the Government is fully committed to meeting the European climate neutrality goals and that reforms for a modern and competitive energy economy are continuously being implemented.
Meeting with Ms. Stephanie Gil, Practice Manager for Energy for Europe and Central Asia, World Bank
Minister Bozhinovska and Ms. Gil discussed current and future projects supported by the World Bank in Macedonia, with an emphasis on financing energy efficiency in the public sector and modernization of the energy infrastructure.
The World Bank expressed its readiness to support the country with innovative financial instruments for green investments, as well as through technical assistance to meet climate goals by 2030.
Meeting with Mr. Grzegorz Zielinski, Director and Head of the Energy Sector for Europe, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Bozhinovska and Zielinski discussed about expanding cooperation with the EBRD in the area of ​​renewable energy sources and green transportation.
The Minister stressed the need to increase investments in new energy capacities and support of the private sector, while the EBRD confirmed its commitment to continue financing green projects in Macedonia.
The bilateral meetings confirmed the strong international position of the Republic of Macedonia in the energy sector and the commitment of the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources to lead the country towards a sustainable, secure and modern energy future.
With regards,
Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources
