# Turkey-North Macedonia diplomatic relations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-north-macedonia-diplomatic-relations
> Updated: 2026-09-05T09:01:21.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

Turkey and North Macedonia are marking 34 years of diplomatic relations, a bond established following North Macedonia’s independence in 1992. Turkey has historically supported North Macedonia’s territorial integrity and its integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions.

Recent developments show an expansion of bilateral ties into defense, energy, and trade, bolstered by high-level meetings between leadership in 2025 and 2026. This cooperation has extended into the social sector, with the two nations signing a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance social services. Signed by North Macedonia’s Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth Gjoko Velkovski and Turkey’s Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Ozdemir Göktaş, the agreement establishes a framework for institutional cooperation and the exchange of expertise.

Key areas of focus include strengthening family support and improving services for women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The partnership also prioritizes the social integration of individuals with addictions, policies for the employment of persons with disabilities, and mechanisms to combat violence against women. Additionally, the two nations aim to improve living conditions for Roma citizens through socio-economic and demographic analyses, implementing these goals via expert exchanges, joint conferences, and professional seminars.

## Claims

- North Macedonia and Turkey signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding cooperation in social services. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Gjoko Velkovski signed the memorandum on behalf of North Macedonia. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Mahinur Ozdemir Göktaş signed the memorandum on behalf of Turkey. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The agreement establishes a framework for institutional cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and best practices. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Cooperation areas include family strengthening and services for women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The agreement includes developing mechanisms to combat violence against women. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The partnership aims to improve living conditions for Roma citizens through socio-economic and demographic analysis. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Implementation will involve exchanging experts, documents, and organizing professional seminars and conferences. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: North Macedonia and Turkey sign social services cooperation pact

North Macedonia and Turkey signed a memorandum to cooperate on social services, focusing on family support, women's rights, and services for children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-and-turkey-sign-social-services-cooperation-memorandum

### 2026-08-25: Turkey and North Macedonia celebrate 34 years of diplomatic ties

Turkey and North Macedonia celebrate 34 years of diplomatic relations, marked by strengthened cooperation in trade, defense, and energy following recent high-level leadership meetings.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-and-north-macedonia-celebrate-34-years-of-diplomatic-ties

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Cite as: Turkey-North Macedonia diplomatic relations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-north-macedonia-diplomatic-relations