Tirana, 29 February 2024 (MIA) - Leaders from the Western Balkans have adopted a joint statement at the high-level conference dedicated to the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans in Tirana on Thursday, expressing their commitment for further institutional cooperation among countries through specific steps and initiatives in order to improve people's lives.

Caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi represented North Macedonia at the conference, which also brought together other regional leaders, European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, EU officials and representatives of relevant international financial organizations.

In the joint statement, the regional leaders commit to a structured dialogue alongside the European Commission and EU member-states for the purpose of implementing the Growth Plan in a way that it brings individual benefit and stimulates regional prosperity and socio-economic approximation to the EU, the Government said in a press release.

"The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans represents an excellent opportunity for enhancement of the region's integration at the single market, as well as EU mechanisms and instruments, while accelerating reforms in strategic and key areas, including those related to the rule of law and fundamental rights," reads the statement.