Skopje, 27 July 2023 (MIA) - The Berlin Process incorporates all six countries of the Western Balkans and everything that is useful from the cooperation within Open Balkan from a digital aspect will be utilized. I believe that the Berlin Process is the system we should invest as a country and region in order to have successful digital transformation, said Minister of Information Society and Administration Azir Aliu on Thursday.

Minister Aliu was quizzed by reporters on the Open Balkan initiative at the joint press conference with Montenegro counterpart Marash Dukaj after signing a bilateral memorandum of understanding in the field of digitization and information security.

"We said at the meeting that digital transformation will only be local without successful implementation and communication among countries, and the region will not be visible. Therefore, I prefer the Berlin Process as such. Open Balkan is a process where a few countries have produced several digital solutions. I hope we can involve other countries in those solutions so they can be used for the Berlin Process," said Aliu.

Asked if Montenegro could be expected to join the Open Balkan initiative soon, Minister Dukaj said the Berlin Process is a priority for Podgorica.

"Montenegro supports every cooperation among countries in the region. We first have to do our homework, have excellent communication and resume on the EU path. The Berlin Process is a priority for Montenegro and we are currently not contemplating any other aspect related to Open Balkan. Therefore, we should focus on what is functional and in line with all processes, and which includes all countries of the Western Balkans," said Dukaj.

Photo: MIA