Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Sia Anagnostopoulou’s statement to AMNA on the establishment of the border crossing point in Laimos, in the area of the Prespa Lake (18 May 2019)

“The satisfaction expressed most warmly by representatives of the local community in Macedonia following the passing of a law on the establishment of the border crossing point in Laimos, in the area of the Prespa Lake, clearly demonstrates that the time has come to witness the actual benefits of the Prespa Agreement. We are satisfied by the efforts made by the government to reach this Agreement.

The border crossing that will link Laimos in Greece and Markova Noga in the Republic of North Macedonia satisfies a request that had been standing for over 50 years and became a reality thanks to the Prespa Agreement. At the dawn of this new age, this long-standing request is being definitively resolved in a way that will unblock the great momentum found in tourism, agriculture and cultural exchanges, which until very recently were hindered by short-sighted, introverted beliefs. The border crossing in Laimos, in the vicinity of the Prespa Lake, similar to the crossing that will link Promachoi in Pella with Majden in North Macedonia, serve as the new bridges of friendship and cooperation in the Balkans, built with solid materials and a plan for growth, prosperity, solidarity and peace in our neighbourhood”.