Skopje, 13 September 2024 (MIA) - Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani met with Montenegrin counterpart Maida Gorčević in Podgorica on Friday, exchanging views on the next steps in terms of the European Union accession process and the strengthening of regional cooperation in the Western Balkans, the Ministry of European Affairs said in a press release. 
 
Murtezani and Gorčević discussed the European Union's engagement with the Western Balkans, which is gaining new momentum with the new European Commission. The two stressed the importance of this development and the EU's increased focus on deepening ties with the region.

The interlocutors highlighted their strong commitment to implementing the necessary reforms and aligning with EU standards as part of the path to membership in the Union. 

 
"Murtezani and Gorčević reaffirmed the importance of mutual cooperation in dealing with common challenges, including judicial reforms, the rule of law, anti-corruption measures and economic development, pointing out that these reforms are crucial not only for the EU accession process, but also in encouraging stability and development in the region. The ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation between their ministries in addressing these priorities and exchanging good practices," the press release reads. 
 
Talks focused on the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to further support the economic integration of the region in the single European market. The two ministers underlined the possibility of this initiative accelerating the convergence of the Western Balkans to the EU and agreed on the importance of quickly implementing the key elements of the plan, which includes investments in infrastructure, energy transition and support for small and medium enterprises.
 
Interlocutors also discussed the ongoing reform agendas of North Macedonia and Montenegro, with a focus on the key areas of public administration reform, the judiciary and improving democratic governance.

Participants in the meeting, adds the press release, highlighted the mutual aspiration of North Macedonia and Montenegro to become full-fledged EU members. The ministers expressed confidence that continuous regional cooperation and aligning with EU priorities will strengthen the possibilities for achieving this goal, stressing that the future of the Western Balkans belongs to an integrated Europe.

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs