Belgrade, 3 January 2023 (MIA) – The Prime Ministers of North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, Dimitar Kovachevski, Ana Brnabić and Dritan Abazović in response to Tanjug on how they see the region in 2023, expressed their expectations that it will continue to demonstrate unity and solidarity, as well as that important steps will be taken that will represent a completely new beginning for the Western Balkans, which, they add, has a lot to offer to both Europe and the world, MIA’s Belgrade correspondent reports.

Kovachevski told Tanjug he believes that 2023 will be a better year for North Macedonia and for the region, as well as that he expects the already proven and demonstrated solidarity will help the region overcome all new obstacles.

“No one can achieve anything alone; this is why we have always insisted and will continue to insist on good neighborliness and solidarity. When one has friends and support, and if one works hard, there is no unattainable goal,” said Kovachevski.

Kovachevski said everyone will benefit from the results of the joint effort and the projects implemented.

“Our mutual trade is growing as a result of the numerous agreements and memoranda within Open Balkan. I expect that this will encourage other countries of the region to join the initiative which is making the Western Balkan European and open in the practical sense of the word,” said Kovachevski.

When asked how she sees the region in 2023, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić said Serbia will continue to be deeply committed to the Open Balkan initiative and all other regional initiatives in 2023.

“I look forward to the implementation of electronic identification for all citizens as part of the Open Balkan initiative – ID cards which will enable us to cross the borders without any waiting, to practically eliminate the borders between us and to have an unimpeded flow of goods, people, capital and services,” said Brnabić.

The Serbian PM added that she looks forward to seeing the border crossings which will contain a single marked lane for trucks and passenger vehicles from Open Balkan countries.

She said that she has placed the emphasis on the Open Balkan initiative, because it is “our own, autochthonous initiative, initiated by the countries from the region” and expressed hope that the other partners of the region will slowly join the initiative.

The Montenegrin Prime Minister, Dritan Abazović said he expects everyone in the region to be wiser and more committed to friendship and togetherness, to see each other as friends building a common future for the benefit of all citizens, while at the same time increasing the living standard.

He added that it is necessary to change the existing practice, saying that “we mustn’t see each other as enemies, but as friends, neighbors, people with whom we will cooperate, live and build a common future.”

Abazović stressed that he really believes everyone in the region will be wiser, more resolute, more just and ready to finally take a step forward in 2023.

The President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, in response to the same question said he believes the events of the past decades, as well as the current conflicts in Eastern Europe will affect the development of events in the region, adding that in such circumstances it is difficult to be an optimist, but there is also no basis for pessimism either. ad/nn/