Mucunski: Fetai speaks all of Belgium’s official languages and has contacts that could benefit the state

Arben Fetai’s appointment as special envoy to the EU is a legitimate issue to discuss, said North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister, Timço Mucunski. According to him, the public also deserves clarification regarding claims that the former deputy prime minister did not report to work during a certain period of his term, despite receiving a salary.

“First, we must be open about who Arben Fetai is. He completed his education in Belgium and speaks all the official languages of that country,” he said.

Mucunski stressed that, in addition to knowing all of Belgium’s official languages, Fetai has worked and been involved with various governmental and non-governmental organizations in Brussels. Through this experience, he said, Fetai has built a network of contacts that could be put to use in the state’s interests.

He added that Arben Fetai holds dual citizenship, that of North Macedonia and Belgium. In the absence of dual citizenship, according to the minister, Fetai might have been the ideal candidate for North Macedonia’s ambassador to the EU. Mucunski also described him as an excellent colleague in the government, emphasizing that criticism is easy, but that the discussion should be based on facts.

“Given the pace of activities, we need someone there. During this particular period, he will be serving the state. His biography matches the profile we are seeking for that position,” Mucunski said.