Strengthening Ties: Minister Eliyahu invited for official visit to North Macedonia as part of faith-based diplomacy

Israel’s Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu held a diplomatic meeting this week at the Knesset with Shpend Sadiku, the ambassador of North Macedonia to Israel. The meeting was part of Eliyahu’s broader effort to promote what his office describes as “faith-based diplomacy,” emphasizing interreligious dialogue, cultural heritage, and shared historical values as tools for strengthening international relations.

During the discussion, the two explored opportunities for cooperation in the fields of heritage preservation, religious tourism, and cultural exchange, stressing the importance of mutual respect for religious traditions and historical memory. At the conclusion of the meeting, Eliyahu accepted Sadiku’s invitation to visit Skopje as an official guest of the North Macedonian government, a visit expected to further deepen bilateral ties between Jerusalem and Skopje.

Israel and North Macedonia have maintained warm relations since North Macedonia gained independence from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s. Israel recognized the country shortly after its independence, and diplomatic relations were formally established in 1995. Over the years, cooperation has expanded in areas such as trade, defense, education, and tourism, with both countries frequently highlighting their shared interest in regional stability and democratic governance.

Historical memory has also played a role in shaping the relationship. North Macedonia has invested in preserving the legacy of its once-thriving Jewish community, particularly in Skopje and Bitola, and has worked with Israeli institutions on Holocaust remembrance and education. These efforts have been cited by Israeli officials as a meaningful foundation for deeper cultural and moral cooperation.

Eliyahu’s planned visit is expected to include meetings with senior government officials as well as engagements focused on heritage and faith, reflecting both countries’ interest in expanding their relationship beyond traditional diplomacy. Officials on both sides described the invitation as a symbolic and practical step toward strengthening ties between Israel and North Macedonia in an increasingly complex regional and international environment.