North Macedonia–Turkey relations


North Macedonia–Turkey relations are the bilateral relations between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and of the NATO.

History

Due to historical, cultural, and human bonds, North Macedonia and Turkey have very close and friendly relations. Shortly after North Macedonia declared its independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991 Turkey recognized North Macedonia's sovereignty as one of the first countries to do so. Bilateral relations were established on 26 August 1992. North Macedonia has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate–general in Istanbul, while Turkey has an embassy in Skopje and a consulate-general in Bitola. Also, the Turkish language is a co-official language in two municipalities, alongside the Macedonian language. Turkey and North Macedonia also have good economic relations. There are several Turkish companies present in North Macedonia, notably TAV Airports Holding and Şişecam. Both countries aspire to join the European Union.
In a Gallup polls conducted in 2010, Turkey is viewed as a friendly country with a positive image among a large majority of people in the Republic of North Macedonia. Recognition of the Republic of North Macedonia by Turkey is predicated on North Macedonia upholding the free movement and rights of Albanians in the country. In February 2018, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed support of the Republic of North Macedonia's position during negotiations over the dispute, saying that Greece's position is wrong. Turkey supports the Republic of North Macedonia's bid to join both EU.

Citizens from North Macedonia of Turkish origin

There are 77,959 citizens declared as Turkish in North Macedonia, forming 3.85% of the population of the country. The Turks of North Macedonia serve as a bridge between the two states, and were part of a program for cooperation in the sphere of culture for the period between 2009 and 2011. According to the program both sides shall intensify the cooperation in different segments of culture and art. Additionally, the countries shall promote each other's culture and open Cultural Information Centres - North Macedonia in Istanbul and Turkey in Skopje. On that occasion, the minister of North Macedonia also announced that the government of North Macedonia decided to renew the house of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's parents, located in the village of Kodžadžik near Debar. The Turkish authorities allowed archaeologists from North Macedonia to make a copy of the Alexander Sarcophagus that afterwards will be displayed in a museum in North Macedonia.