Skopje, 14 February 2024 (MIA) — Caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi leading a government delegation in Brussels on Wednesday met with Members of European Parliament Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Tonino Picula, Tineke Strik and Karlo Ressler, according to an official press release.

The delegation led by Xhaferi includes First Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani, the release says.

Meeting participants exchanged opinions on North Macedonia's European integration process, the government's policies ahead of the country's parliamentary and presidential elections as well as the government's preparations for implementing the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

On his first visit to Brussels as caretaker PM, Xhaferi told MEPs the government would remain committed to meeting all obligations arising from the open accession negotiations with the EU so it could speed up its European integration.

The MEPs, who come from different political groups in the EP, voiced their strong support for North Macedonia's implementing reforms and joining the EU.

Xhaferi said EU membership would remain a strategic goal of the state, which was also supported by citizens.

The meeting discussed the importance of the Growth Plan for North Macedonia's economic progress in terms of creating new jobs, improving the living standard, and opportunities for domestic companies to access the EU single market even before membership, the release says.

Xhaferi thanked the MEPs for their support for the country's EU integration. As this is the country's priority, the release highlights, former MEP Ivo Vajgl would be advising the caretaker PM on this matter in an effort to accelerate the accession process.

The caretaker PM also asked MEPs to strengthen their cooperation with and support the presence of North Macedonia's representatives in the EP, the release adds. mr/