North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski made his first official visit to Israel this week, marking a significant step in the deepening ties between the two countries. The 24-hour trip to Jerusalem on August 24 came amid growing diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation, reflecting a deliberate priority established by North Macedonia’s government under Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski since 2024.

During the visit, Mucunski met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to sign several cooperation agreements and explore expanding collaboration across various sectors, including agriculture, water management, security, innovation, tourism, health, and education. The two ministers also discussed defense industry partnerships and the potential reinstatement of direct flights connecting Tel Aviv with Skopje or Ohrid—North Macedonia’s key tourist destination—with the aim of boosting people-to-people ties as well as business opportunities.

Mucunski highlighted North Macedonia’s strategic geographic position at the crossroads of two major European transport corridors and its investment in energy connectivity as factors positioning the country as a potential gateway for Israeli firms seeking access to European markets. He noted that beyond tourism, the North Macedonian government is keen to attract Israeli investments and promote exports within the region.

The visit continues a series of exchanges this year, including a January parliamentary delegation led by North Macedonia’s first Jewish lawmaker, Rashela Mizrahi, to Israel, and the June visit of Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski to attend MUNILEXPO 2026, where municipal cooperation on resilience and innovation was a focus. Mucunski attributed the increased engagement to the priorities set by Prime Minister Mickoski, emphasizing that Israel is a key partner both domestically and internationally.

Bilateral relations have also been strengthened by humanitarian cooperation following the Pulse nightclub fire in Kocani in March 2025, which killed dozens and injured many. Israel promptly sent a medical delegation to assist local hospitals, a gesture Mucunski described as a defining moment in the relationship, demonstrating Israel’s support in times of crisis. In turn, North Macedonia has shown consistent diplomatic support for Israel in international forums, especially following the Hamas-led attacks in Israel in October 2023. Sa’ar publicly acknowledged North Macedonia’s backing during this period, highlighting its voting record and diplomatic stance.

Mucunski framed ties with Israel within North Macedonia’s broader foreign policy framework, based on its NATO membership since 2020, EU candidacy, and strategic partnership with the United States. He underscored shared democratic values, market economies, and a global outlook as foundations for cooperation, while refraining from commenting on Israel’s relations with other European countries.

On regional security, Mucunski expressed strong concern about Iran, describing it as a threat not only to the Middle East but also to European and NATO security due to its authoritarian regime and nuclear ambitions. North Macedonia supports the US-led effort to deter Iran and aims to prevent Tehran from reaching a nuclear weapons capability, viewing this as crucial to regional stability.

The visit also highlighted North Macedonia’s historical Jewish ties. Despite the near destruction of its Jewish community during the Holocaust, the government recognizes the community’s significance in national history and society. Mucunski reiterated the country’s commitment to combating antisemitism, citing a recent attack on a synagogue in Skopje as an isolated incident met with swift law enforcement response and broad societal condemnation.

Mucunski stated that antisemitism would not be tolerated within North Macedonia, reflecting a resolve echoed by local officials. The engagement between Macedonia and Israel operates across multiple levels, involving parliamentarians, municipal leaders, and now the foreign ministries, signaling a comprehensive approach to partnership.

Concluding his visit, Mucunski expressed confidence that this initial trip would be followed by further exchanges, viewing the current momentum in bilateral relations as a foundation to build upon for mutual benefit in the years ahead.