Skopje, 18 December 2023 (MIA) – Comparisons between the EU paths of Albania and North Macedonia aren’t necessary, what’s important is that we continue with the reforms because membership into the European Union is unconditional for all countries of the region, said the Foreign Minister of Albania, Igli Hasani, at a joint press conference Monday in Skopje with Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani.

“I believe that Albania and North Macedonia have done some very successful work on our joint journey to the EU, and at no point do we make any measurements or comparisons. What is most important is that we have accomplished our homework, and we will continue working in that direction. The EU path for Albania and for all countries of the region is without ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. And I want to say that we should and must continue to deepen the reforms that have been initiated, accepted and to note the things that we can improve on in an increasingly more challenging context. In context of the developments in Eastern Europe, which are developing quickly, and the Western Balkan countries should not be held hostage to such development, but should instead become an integral part of the big European family,” said Hasani asked if Albania has done more than North Macedonia on its path to the EU, and whether Albania should continue alone.

Hasani is set to participate in the final meeting of the US-Adriatic Partnership Commission within North Macedonia's chairpersonship of the U.S. – Adriatic Charter (A5) in 2023, which will be chaired by Minister Osmani. Albania will assume the chairpersonship of the A5 in 2024.

Photo: MIA