Granada, 5 October 2023 (MIA) - We are here to create not destroy. Serbia and Kosovo should work towards peace and make the right steps to ensure a safe future of their citizens but also the stability of the entire region, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski on Thursday.

PM Kovachevski told a press conference within the European Political Community summit that conflicts are resolved in accordance with already signed agreements, MIA reports from Granada.

"I talked to the Presidents of Serbia and Kosovo, the Albanian PM and most of the leaders present here. Peace and stability lie in the core of every regional initiative that focuses on economic prosperity but also overcoming challenges among countries," said Kovachevski.

According to him, North Macedonia is a clear example of resolving issues at home and with neighbors through active and open dialogue.

"I truly believe this region can do much better. We are prepared to offer our experience and support, in order to ensure peace and stability in the region that must join the EU sooner rather than later," said Kovachevski.

On the statement of Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani that North Macedonia should reconsider its participation in the Open Balkan initiative if it is proven that Serbia was in any way involved in the recent attack in northern Kosovo, the PM said the Government's position is unchanged.

"Earlier today, FM Osmani clarified that the statement was given in the capacity of vice-president of a political party. The Government's position remains unchanged - we have a constructive role in all regional initiatives, including Open Balkan, as long as those initiatives bring specific benefits for the citizens, the economies and the businesses in the countries involved. We are also active participants in the Berlin Process. Nevertheless, a prerequisite for successful regional initiatives is peace and stability, as well as respect among all neighboring countries taking part in those initiatives," said Kovachevski.

He added that Tirana will soon host a Berlin Process meeting, putting countries that do not have elementary bilateral communication on the same table.

"That is why I say yes to integration and cooperation, and no to conflicts. As a neighboring country, North Macedonia wants to see conflicts solved in accordance with signed agreements, through good will, for the sake of a better future of people living in all regional states," underlined Kovachevski.

Photo: Government/MIA archive