Skopje, 27 February 2026 (MIA) - Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi and Albanian President Bajram Begaj agreed Friday that both countries share the same goals and interests - EU membership, mutual support as neighbors and NATO allies, and stronger regional cooperation.

Speaker Gashi expressed hope that both countries will continue on their EU integration path, which is important not only for Skopje and Tirana but other countries of the Western Balkans as well, the Parliament said in a press release.

President Begaj said North Macedonia and Albania are friendly countries sharing the same values, vision and challenges, serving as a model of cooperation in the region. He added that cooperation has improved in many areas of mutual interest, leading to a better standard of life for the countries' citizens.

Interlocutors also highlighted the important role of ethnic Macedonians and ethnic Albanians living in both countries as a bridge for building stable and friendly ties, noting that road, railway and energy networking along Corridor VIII would contribute to an increased exchange of people, commodities and services, reads the press release.

Photo: MIA