The 21 cooperation agreements were signed at the joint meeting of the two governments of Albania and North Macedonia in Skopje. The history of their agreements in recent years includes major fields.

Albania has demonstrated a well-known spirit of economic cooperation with its neighbor North Macedonia. The history of agreements and cooperation is indicative of this spirit that exists between the two countries. The most important deals are the ones that are currently active.

Thus, the Parliament of Albania has ratified the agreement between Albania and North Macedonia on the establishment of common border crossing points between the two countries. The agreement creates an instrument that has greatly facilitated the passage of citizens between the two countries, as well as goods and services, bringing them in line with EU standards. The agreement was signed on June 10, 2021.

Another important agreement between the Macedonian government and the Albanian government is the one for avoiding double taxation, related to taxes on income and on capital as well as for the prevention of fiscal evasion. Or even the agreement between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Macedonia on social protection, approved in 2015.

Relations with North Macedonia have had very positive developments in recent years, made possible by the efforts of both parties. An indicator of the very good cooperation between the two countries is the exchange of high-level bilateral visits and not only, the cooperation agreements and memorandums signed between the two countries, as well as the cooperation within the framework of regional organizations and the “Open Balkan” initiative.

Trade links have expanded and the volume of trade has increased, despite the fact that we are still far from using the full potential. The authorities say that further intensification of commercial, touristic, educational and cultural exchanges is needed. The second joint meeting between the two governments seems to be continuing to deepen the new phase of bilateral relations, through the work started and commitments undertaken within the framework of regional cooperation, such as joint cross-border projects, interconnection, measures for the Economic Zone Regional, as well as corridor VIII. Albania was one of the first countries to recognize North Macedonia after it seceded from the former FRY, while diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on December 24,

/k.s/