Skopje, 19 May 2023 (MIA) - I am convinced that the celebration of this anniversary is only the first of the many we will have in the coming years with fruitful cooperation through exchange of experience and views on the achievement of our main goal, which is closer cooperation in Southeast Europe, and our ultimate goal of final integration of the region in the European Union, said Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi in his address at the X plenary session of the South-East European Cooperation Process Parliamentary Assembly (SEECP PA), entitled "10 years of SEECP PA. Better integration and a more certain EU perspective of the SEECP region within the next decade. Together in SEECP - Together in the EU," held in Budva, Montenegro.

Speaker Xhaferi called on the participants and EU members to be the main promoters of the process of enlargement and integration of the entire SEECP region by improving the accession process, so that it becomes more effective, predictable, credible, and tangible. Because, he noted, as a result of waiting for too long in front of the EU's doors its credibility has also been damaged, and people's support for EU integration also decreases.

"The Republic of North Macedonia takes over the SEECP Chairmanship-in-Office from July 2023 to June 2024. To us, this represents a huge honor, obligation and challenge. This is also an excellent opportunity for the Republic of North Macedonia to focus on our set priorities as a country, which are certainly not outside the SEE 2030 Strategy. So, the focus will be on the strong implementation of the Strategy as a comprehensive plan in which all priorities and activities are aligned with the SEE policy and the strengthening of regional cooperation," said Xhaferi, as cited in a press release of the Parliament. 

The Regional Cooperation Council, Xhaferi noted, will continue to have full support for its key role as interlocutor and facilitator between the management structures for the implementation of the Strategy and a more dynamic implementation of the goals for sustainable development of the 2030 Agenda. 

"Our priorities will be directed at strengthening democracy, fundamental rights and values, the rule of law, security and stability, and the rule-based international order, because our citizens deserve to enjoy functioning democracies. The illegal, unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine, in addition to the human lives lost forever, has serious effects on the economies of Europe and SEE countries. We must together deal with the interrelated challenges of reducing and mitigating the negative impact on the economy, energy and food security, as well as address protecting the environment, and dealing with its challenges and impacts due to reckless, excessive and improper use of existing resources. Therefore, investing in energy infrastructure, renewable energy projects that will enable clean energy, sustainable, green, digital and focused growth for citizens, will be a benefit for the region of Southeast Europe," Speaker Xhaferi pointed out. 

Hybrid threats and information manipulation activities, including disinformation, Xhaferi stressed, are serious threats that break institutional credibility and public trust in democratic institutions. The fight to disable these threats from the very beginning must be in the common focus of all social actors in all SEECP member countries. It is the best way to build, protect and strengthen democracy.

 "We will also focus on regional cooperation and development of a mutual regional market of economies of the Western Balkan countries and Southeast Europe, in accordance with the rules and standards of the EU, through dialogue as the best way to deal with the issues of the past and look forward toward a common and safe future. A stable region is appealing to investors, but of course, the focus should be put on infrastructure and our connectivity, which will assist regional trade, ensure sustainable economic growth which in turn will positively affect people's daily lives. Abolishing visas for Kosovo citizens, in January 2024, is a particularly positive decision from the European Parliament, because for the Schengen zone the entire SEECP region will have a similar framework," added the Parliament Speaker.

Speaker Xhaferi thanked the hosts for all their efforts and successful organization of the event, expressing confidence of a joint and mutual adoption of a Declaration.

"The SEECP PA will continue to be an authentic voice of the region and a forum where the political and diplomatic dialogue between the member states takes place. The Republic of North Macedonia will be more than happy to be your host as the next Chairmanship-in-Office," Xhaferi said. ssh/nn/

Photo: Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia