The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, declared today from Skopje, where he is conducting his first official visit, that Albania and the North Macedonian Foreign Ministry have shown extraordinary commitment on the road to the EU.

In the press statement with his counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, Hasani said that “the chairmanship of the OSCE in 2023 by RMV was undoubtedly a challenging task. “

“Allow me to start by congratulating Bujar for the excellent leadership he has shown during the chairmanship of the OSCE from RMV. Chairing the OSCE in 2023 was undoubtedly a challenging task because, truth be told, since the beginning of the illegal Russian aggression against Ukraine, the OSCE has undergone significant changes. There is no clearer proof of the good work you have been able to do than the fact that despite the blockages and impasses created by Russia in the OSCE, you managed to have a successful mandate,” elaborated Hasani.

He continued “The performance of North Macedonia in the OSCE and of Albania in the UN Security Council, and earlier in the OSCE, are the most irrefutable indicators of the maturity that our countries’ foreign policy has reached. A foreign policy, which now more than ever should be put at the disposal of our common agenda for a region with peace, security, and stability, with more integration and regional cooperation, but also with more alignment towards the EU.”

Moreover, Hasani emphasized “It is precisely this goal, to work together for these objectives, that gave rise to this visit and tour to other countries in the region. Of course, in this context, the visit to North Macedonia holds special importance. Both our countries have shown extraordinary commitment on the road to the EU. Both our countries have achieved impressive results in modernizing and Europeanizing reforms. We have just successfully completed the screening process, and we are now awaiting further steps in a process for which both our countries have made many sacrifices and faced difficult obstacles and challenges.”

“We have walked together on a large part of this road, supporting and helping each other. I strongly believe that this joint journey has influenced the strengthening of cooperation between us and has led us to envision the region and its future in the same way,” cited Hasani.

Also, Hasani underlined “The further expansion and deepening of this cooperation, with initiatives and concrete ideas, are vital for the future of the region in a time full of ambiguity and uncertainty, like the one we live in.”

“Albania will continue to closely follow the developments in North Macedonia, especially in an election year like this one, where the next presidential and parliamentary elections will be held in the spring. We wish that this process goes well, but above all, we wish that this process and its result will not bring any change in the commitment to the common European perspective,” remarked Minister Hasani.

“In this context, I want to emphasize our pride in the extraordinary role that the Albanian factor has played and continues to play in ensuring the stability of North Macedonia. It has served as a connecting bridge, strengthening the ties between our countries. Above all, it has been instrumental in preserving North Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic orientation throughout a challenging journey that, as I mentioned, has demanded significant sacrifices,” he pointed out.

Furthermore, Hasani declared that “Albania has supported and will continue to support the constructive engagement of Albanian political entities and individuals in North Macedonia’s political process. This includes efforts to consolidate the rule of law, democracy, social cohesion, and equality among all citizens.”

Chief diplomat Hasani highlighted that the Albanian factor in North Macedonia has an inherent role in maintaining the stability of the country.

“I believe that the appointment of an Albanian prime minister in North Macedonia, albeit temporarily, marks a symbolic indicator of the progress achieved by this country and its society. I express my gratitude and convey my respect and admiration to all the citizens of North Macedonia. We support and encourage the ongoing efforts and achievements of North Macedonia in constructing a functional multi-ethnic society, based on the full implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and the Law of Languages,” stated Hasani.

The Albanian chief diplomat reaffirmed, “Albania has supported and will continue to support the constructive engagement of Albanian political entities and individuals in North Macedonia’s political process and in the effort to consolidate the rule of law, democracy, social cohesion, and equality among all citizens.”

/m.ll/