The region as a whole should be integrated into the European Union without further delay, concluded President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Elisa Spiropali, who is on an official visit, at today’s meeting.
Siljanovska-Davkova welcomed Albania’s progress in the accession process, pointing out that in the current geopolitical context, the progress of each country has a positive effect on the regional European integration dynamics.
The President recalled that, after 20 years of candidate status, the Macedonian accession process is becoming an exhausting marathon, with the goal constantly being postponed.
She stressed that the Copenhagen criteria must be the only conditions for membership and that bilateralization creates a dangerous precedent, allowing the blocking of the European path of other candidate countries as well.
The Albanian Minister expressed strong support for Macedonia’s European integration and the belief that the countries of the Western Balkans share identical goals and values and should jointly move towards the European family.
Both agreed that regional cooperation is key to stability, good neighborly relations and infrastructure connectivity, and especially for reform processes necessary for EU membership.
In the Trilateral Memorandum signed between us, Bulgaria and Albania, we recognize a clearly defined timeframe and dynamics for the implementation of activities related to Corridor 8.
The establishment of a “One Stop Shop” system at all border crossings between the two countries, they believe, will contribute to rapid joint control and strengthening of mutual cooperation.
The interlocutors pointed out the need for enhanced economic cooperation and pledged to continue the excellent cooperation in NATO.
Respect for the rights of minority communities is an added value for the friendly Macedonian-Albanian relations.
