Skopje, 24 September 2021 (MIA) – The Hungarian Assembly organized Friday the tenth meeting of the Speakers of Parliament from Southeast Europe dedicated to enlargement. The event brought together speakers from countries in Southeast Europe and the Visegrad Group, North Macedonia’s Parliament said in a press release. The conference saw addresses by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, European Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi and Hungarian Speaker Laszlo Kover. “PM Orban highlighted the importance of Hungary’s cultural connection and memory with the Balkan countries and mutual connection built for decades. According to him, the Balkans is the gate toward Europe and an unbreakable link in the European house. Thus, any delay of the integration process will be a major geostrategic mistake for Europe,” said the press release. Commissioner Varhelyi voiced unwavering support to Visegrad Group countries to integrate Southeastern European countries into the EU. “Holding of the coming EU-Western Balkans Summit is more than necessary at this point and taking of concrete steps for the future of these countries,” he stated. The speakers of parliaments in Southeast Europe addressed the forum, including North Macedonia’s Speaker Talat Xhaferi, said the press release. The meeting was concluded by the speakers signing a joint statement in which they confirmed their commitment to EU enlargement and accelerating the integration process, based on merits, opening of the negotiations process without further delay and accelerating the ongoing negotiations. The statement will be sent to the EU national parliaments and the leaders of European institutions, said the press release.