International media upbeat on Tsipras’ ‘historic’ visit to North Macedonia

International media outlets reported on PM Alexis Tsipras' historic visit to North Macedonia today, the first since it was established as an independent state in 1991, with the breakup of Yugoslavia.

Indeed, it was the first visit of a Greek PM since the "Republic of Macedonia" was established as part of Yugoslavia.

The country's name was changed to North Macedonia after the Prespa Agreement concluded by Tsipras and his counterpart Zoran Zaev.

The BBC reported on the history of the name dispute and the selfie taken by the two prime ministers, which seemed to impress much of the media.

"Tweeting the selfie, Mr Zaev referred to 'happy moments for an even happier future for the peoples of our friendly countries'," the BBC reported.

"The two men signed a series of agreements before holding a joint news conference, in which Mr Zaev spoke of his opposite number as a «close, personal friend», the report added.

The Guardian's report also referred to the widespread popular disapproval of the accord in both countries and that the two leaders are touting the trade and other benefits that they say will result from the normalisation of the two countries' relations.

The report stated that:

"On the eve of the visit, Zaev said he expected fresh Greek investments in the impoverished state to exceed €500m. 'The Republic of North Macedonia will have huge economic benefits from the deal that I believe will be seen in every area of the economy.'

"The two states' foreign ministers will also use the occasion to sign a memorandum highlighting the need for North Macedonia's accession process to the EU to be fast-tracked. Prior to the accord, Greece had vetoed its tiny neighbour launching membership talks with Nato and the EU,"...

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