site.btaNorth Macedonia, Kosovo PMs Describe Intergovernmental Meeting in Pristina as Productive

Three documents were signed after a joint meeting between the governments of the Republic of North Macedonia and Kosovo, which took place on Monday in Pristina. The two prime ministers - Hristijan Mickoski of North Macedonia and Albin Kurti of Kosovo announced the signing at a press conference after the meeting.

The first document is a memorandum on energy, mining and mineral resources, which includes cooperation initiatives and infrastructure projects for gas interconnections. Among the other project initiatives it encompasses initiating cooperation to explore the possibility of developing a new direct gas link between the two countries.

The second document includes information on the conclusion of a protocol between the two governments on the implementation of the Joint Border Crossing Points Treaty, which regulates the way of checks and customs controls, the infrastructure of the common border crossing points and the interconnection of border management systems.

The third document is a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the Ministries of Education and Science of North Macedonia and the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of Kosovo, in which the parties agree to work together to improve the quality of vocational education and training.

Both Kurti and Mickoski described the meeting in Pristina as productive and an event, at which "a wide range of issues" were discussed, with concrete steps agreed upon to advance transport and energy links. 

"We also discussed the importance of Euro-Atlantic integration, our common commitment to European values and standards", Mickoski added, expressing his conviction that the future of the Western Balkans lies in the European Union and NATO, and that with common efforts "we can overcome the challenges, ensure prosperity and stability for our citizens". He elaborated that the Balkans have been a place, which filled the "black chronicles of the European and world public" and that the Balkan countries should build upon the aspects that unite them and that are worth working for together.

Albin Kurti pointed out that the trade between the two countries has increased in recent years, reaching over EUR 432 million in 2023, and he expects that in 2025 the economic cooperation between the two countries will reach half a billion euros.