GUE/NGL President Gabi Zimmer has welcomed the agreement reached between the Prime Minister of Greece, Alexis Tsipras, and the Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Zorav Zaev, on the long-standing name dispute and has described it as “a historic moment for both countries and their people.”

She said: “It is proof that mutual understanding and friendly co-existence, cooperation and realism prevail over nationalism, ethnic and political animosity. I warmly welcome this significant development.”

“It is a clear message that through dialogue, strong political will and clear commitment, the nationalistic upsurge can be defeated. This agreement can certainly enhance bilateral relations and open new horizons of cooperation in the Balkans, strengthen synergies at all levels and improve stability and prosperity for the people of the region.”