Our common priority is increasing enhancement of the financial stability of our region, and thus we have made and will make efforts to reach this objective within our mandate. In this context, we will continue sharing views and experiences on banking supervision and regulation even more intensely, especially in terms of the implementation of international standards and prudential principles. These are some of the statements made by the Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia, Anita Angelovska Bezhoska, and the Governor of the Croatian National Bank, Boris Vujčić, at the beginning of their meeting today in Skopje.

Vujčić is paying a two-day visit to our country at Governor Angelovska Bezhoska's invitation, with the aim of resuming talks on intensifying bilateral cooperation within the framework of the already signed memorandum between the two central banks. There are also discussions concerning cooperation through exchange of views and experiences in the area of ​​central bank statistics, research and economic modeling, as well as in the field of payment services and payment systems.

According to Governor Vujčić, the reforms, the improvement of legislation and the projects delivered in the recent period have helped our central bank to achieve significant, remarkable results, applying a great deal of the European and international best practices. As he put it, it is an additional motivation for Croatia to be a partner and supporter of our central bank, especially in aligning with the highest European standards.

Angelovska Bezhoska expressed her gratitude to her colleague for the support so far, especially in the context of the EU funded projects. In this light, the two Governors discussed the project for strengthening the capacity of our central bank in the process of its accession to the ESCB, whose kick-off conference was held last week. Angelovska Bezhoska and Vujcic assessed that this project, partnered by the central banks of Germany and Croatia, is extremely important, especially since it covers four key areas of central banking. As said, it will contribute to improving the image and the regional central banking community.

During Governor Vujčić's visit, in-depth discussions will be held about all areas in which communication between experts from the two central banks could be intensified aimed to promote central banking throughout the region.