Skopje, 2 February 2022 (MIA) — Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani and Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj in Paris on a working visit met Wednesday with French Secretary of State for European Affairs Clément Beaune. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they talked about North Macedonia’s progress toward European integration during the current French presidency of the Council of the European Union, agreeing that North Macedonia and Albania should start their negotiations for EU membership without delay. They also discussed the reforms necessary for EU accession in accordance with the new EU Enlargement Methodology initiated by France, especially regarding the rule of law and the fight against corruption and organized crime. During the conversation, France sent clear and unequivocal messages of support for the country’s readiness to start negotiations, the press release says. Also, Osmani and Marichikj briefed Beaune on the new political climate initiated between the new governments of North Macedonia and Bulgaria, showing both countries’ commitment to achieving progress. Also mentioned was a Western Balkans Conference planned for June during the French Presidency of the EU as well as new investment policies aimed at reafirming the European perspective of the region and its economic integration. Other topics of the meeting included bilateral ties between North Macedonia and France; current European challenges; and diplomatic efforts to be made as NATO allies to overcome the situation in Ukraine. Earlier in the day, Osmani and Marichikj met with Isabelle Dumont, Continental Europe and Turkey Advisor in the Office of French President Emmanuel Macron. They also met met with Senator Robert Badinter, whom Minister Osmani presented with an award on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the country’s independence. On Thursday, Osmani and Marichikj will join the government delegation in Brussels, where they will meet with top EU and NATO representatives. mr/