Skopje, 22 November 2024 (MIA) - Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani met with Finish counterpart Joakim Strand in Helsinki on Friday, discussing North Macedonia and Western Balkan countries' EU membership perspectives, importance of the EU enlargement process as a strategic goal for stability and progress of the region.

Minister Murtezani expressed gratitude for Finland's principled and ongoing support for North Macedonia's European future, which is not only manifested through political support, but also through concrete technical and expert assistance. Murtezani highlighted the importance of implemented Twinning projects, which have so far included seven successful initiatives with the participation of Finnish experts, the Ministry for European Affairs said in a press release.

He also stressed that North Macedonia is strongly committed to the European path, adding that progress in the reform processes deserves continued support from the Union's member states.

According to the Ministry, talks focused on ongoing activities in the context of reforms in key areas, including the rule of law, strengthening democratic institutions, and public administration.

Murtezani briefed participants in the meeting on North Macedonia's progress in aligning with European standards, as well as the country's readiness to open the first cluster - "Fundamentals" in the negotiations with the EU.

Interlocutors expressed interest in intensifying cooperation as part of new Twinning projects, which will cover areas of public administration reform, further development of digitization and strengthening organizational and institutional capacities for the accession negotiations process. 

Murtezani and Strand, the press release adds, agreed on the importance of meeting reform criteria, as well as that the EU accession process must remain dynamic and tangible in order to maintain the motivation of citizens and governments of candidate countries. ssh/nn/

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs