site.btaNorth Macedonia, Albania Ready to Continue Their European Integration

North Macedonia and Albania should continue on the European path and do everything necessary to see the Western Balkans region in the EU, according to the foreign ministers of the two countries, Bujar Osmani and Igli Hasani, who arrived on a visit to Skopje. 

"It is not the only way, but it is the best way for a substantial reform of the whole social system, from the rule of law and the fight against organised crime and corruption, through increased investments, higher incomes, increased economic activity to improving the quality of life, education, health services. In the current challenges of hybrid threats, external influences, but also active war on European soil, the integration of the Western Balkans into Europe is also a matter of political security," Bujar Osmani said on Wednesday at a joint press conference.

"My visit to Skopje is of particular importance. Both countries have shown commitment to their European path and have achieved impressive results. Much of it we have done together, supporting and helping each other, and all this has contributed to deepening our cooperation," Igli Hasani said.

At the press conference, Osmani also referred to the screening that North Macedonia and Albania completed at the end of last year and said the two countries were ready to proceed with the opening of negotiating chapters, which "should not be delayed".

The two top diplomats discussed the European path of their countries, as well as the good neighbourly and economic relations between them.

"Today, more than ever, our countries share common interests and a vision for the future. Albania will continue to follow the developments in North Macedonia, especially the electoral process, which I wish to be successful and above all not to lead to a change in the commitment to the European future of the country," Hasani said.