Skopje, 27 March 2023 (MIA) – Yet again, we are successfully going through the screening process together, we are implementing domestic reforms and are firmly stepping towards full-fledged EU membership. 2030 is a realistic and achievable chance for North Macedonia and Albania to successfully conclude this process and I personally believe in this, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani at a joint press conference with his Albanian counterpart Olta Xhaçka on Monday.

Osmani said that at his meeting with the Albanian Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the two agreed to share the same strategic foreign policy priorities.

“We are two NATO allies who have fully harmonized their foreign policy with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, which sends a clear message about our commitment to western principles and values,” said Osmani.

The infrastructure connection through Corridor VIII, said Osmani, remains a priority, and preparations are underway to establish highway connectivity.

“We need to continue with intensive activities to fulfill the obligations and use the benefits of the regional initiatives, here I am mainly referring to the Berlin Process. The economic cooperation is successful, but insufficient, we need to provide businesses and citizens with an even greater potential for exchange and cooperation,” stressed Osmani.

Albanian Minister Xhaçka noted that at the meeting they discussed ways to intensify cooperation not only in infrastructure, but also in energy, trade exchange, culture, tourism and education.

“We share a common vision. Our governments nurture friendly and constructive communication over a wide variety of issues. I am proud that the cooperation between the two countries exists as a model for cooperation between neighbors in our region. Not only do our countries continue to intensify activities at a bilateral level but they also contribute to the broader regional context, especially in guaranteeing the region’s Euro-Atlantic orientation,” said Xhaçka.

A ministerial meeting of the US – Adriatic Charter (A5) will be held on Tuesday, said Osmani, that will be chaired by our country where regional challenges will be discussed, as well as the new developments in international relations caused by the Russian aggression in Ukraine. ad/sk/