Tirana became the center of regional dialogue today as it hosted the Ministerial meeting on Corridor VIII.

Attending the meeting, North Macedonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Timço Mucunski, highlighted the importance of regional coordination to advance the project. He noted that today’s meeting demonstrates direct support from the countries involved, aiming to turn the corridor into a platform for political stability and practical implementation.

According to Mucunski, Corridor VIII serves as a strategic link between the Adriatic, Ionian, and Black Seas. Moreover, it acts as a vital bridge for integrating the Balkans into the European common market. He emphasized that the project also holds significant importance within NATO and in the context of European Union integration.

“Corridor VIII connects the Adriatic, Ionian, and Black Seas. It can accelerate Balkan integration into the European common market. We recognize its importance for NATO and the EU context. Therefore, we need to move forward even faster. Today, this effort also focuses on ensuring the safe movement of goods and people, while building our capacities,” he said.

He added that Corridor VIII could become not only a key transport route but also an energy backbone. In addition, it would strengthen energy links and support the development of infrastructure for a sustainable energy transition.

“These results should benefit the countries and their citizens directly. For instance, shorter and faster distances and the application of European standards. Corridor VIII can evolve into both a transport and energy corridor. Consequently, we can strengthen energy connections and build infrastructure that supports a more sustainable energy transition,” the minister said.

On security, Mucunski stressed that the corridor has strategic and protective dimensions. As a result, it helps maintain regional stability and reduces opportunities for hybrid attacks and disinformation.

“The security environment views this corridor as strategic and protective. It preserves regional stability and limits space for hybrid attacks and misinformation. Connectivity is not only about concrete. It also involves procedures: good border management and trade facilitation without compromising security,” he added.

The high-level meeting focused on reaffirming the strategic value of this major infrastructure and geopolitical project. Furthermore, it aimed to advance cooperation in connectivity, sustainability, and regional integration.