Brussels, 6 September 2024 (MIA) - The European perspective of the country and the developments in the Western Balkan region were the main topics discussed at the meeting between Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani and the Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Stefano Sannino held Friday as part of Murtezani’s trip to Brussels.

According to the Ministry of European Affairs, at the meeting, which concluded Murtezani’s visit to Brussels, the Minister raised several key issues of essential importance for North Macedonia’s European dossier and the strengthening of the country’s harmonization with the EU’s standards and policies. 

The meeting highlighted the importance of making the most of the renewed momentum to dynamize the process of EU enlargement in the current geopolitical context, as a project that would contribute to increased stability and prosperity in the Western Balkan countries.

Murtezani voiced gratitude for the financial assistance of EUR 13 million from the European Peace Facility (EPF) which will help modernize the country’s defense capacities and ensure greater contribution in the EU’s security initiatives. He also stressed the importance of the upcoming partnership between North Macedonia and the EU in the field of defense and security, making the country one of the first countries to sign such a document with the Union. 

Sannino, according to the Ministry, welcomed North Macedonia’s complete alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, which affirms the strategic European orientation of the country and respect for the fundamental principles and values of the Union’s foreign policy. 

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs