Skopje, 5 August 2024 (MIA) - Standard security procedures apply to everyone using commercial flights, including myself as the Prime Minister. We regret the recent incident that occurred on August 2. The President of Kosovo is welcome, and I will host her if she travels from Skopje, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in a comment on the recent incident involving the Kosovo’s President, Vjosa Osmani, at the Skopje Airport.

“As per the information received from the TAV airport officials, international standards and procedures are strictly observed for commercial flights. This includes myself as the Macedonian Prime Minister, the Macedonian President, and all other officials who pass through the VIP section. I must note, however, that I do not use the VIP section but rather the same areas as other citizens. However, this has genuinely caused us a feeling of regret, hoping it will not happen again. I personally emphasized that the President of Kosovo is welcome, as are all citizens of Kosovo. Should I receive advance notice in the future, I would be pleased to personally welcome her at the airport and accompany her in Skopje until her departure, ensuring that we prevent such incidents. We will address any individual-related issues as a domestic matter,” Mickoski said during a joint press conference with Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who is visiting the country.

In response to a reporter's question about whether he would hold Speaker Afrim Gashi accountable for the weapon threat made by members of his security team towards police officers at the airport, Mickoski said that the competent institutions will investigate the case and if any abuse of authority is found, those responsible will be held accountable.

“If the institutions determine that there has been an abuse of power or a criminal offense, rest assured that the person responsible will face justice,” Mickoski stated. “No one will be above the law in this country. There will be no individuals above the law while I am Prime Minister,” he added.

Asked whether the incident involving the President of Kosovo at Skopje Airport can be considered resolved or if it will still affect relations between the two countries, Mickoski emphasized that today’s meeting, which addressed other issues of mutual interest, confirms that relations are not only intact but will also take on a new, positive dimension in the future.

"The difference between this case and the previous two incidents, which also occurred at Skopje Airport, is that there is now public attention. Additionally, there are politicians attempting to gain minor political advantages and who will try in the future to negatively influence the relations between the two governments, but they will not succeed. This government is democratic and transparent," Mickoski said, reiterating his regret over the incident and adding that he will personally host Osmani when she travels from Skopje Airport.

In the context of today's meeting with Kurti, Mickoski highlighted that Skopje is committed to fostering genuine neighborly relations and also addressed economic cooperation and trade exchange.

“As the new government, we aim to foster positive relations with all our neighbors based on a two-way principle. We also pointed out the need to increase economic cooperation between the two countries, which is very important. The latest data from the State Statistical Office shows that the trade exchange in 2023 was at half a billion euros. I see no reason why, with the joint efforts of both governments, this figure cannot grow further through infrastructure projects, such as the highway connecting the border crossing with our capital and the potential road linking Tetovo and Prizren, which are vital priorities,” Mickoski said.

Photo: MIA