Skopje, 20 September 2024 (MIA) – Minister of European Affairs of North Macedonia, Orhan Murtezani, met Friday in Budapest with his Hungarian counterpart János Bóka.

The meeting focused on advancing North Macedonia’s EU accession process, which is one of Hungary’s key priorities during its presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Ministry of European Affairs said in a press release.

Minister Murtezani expressed gratitude for Hungary’s continuous and strong support for the Western Balkan countries, particularly in the context of the EU’s enlargement policy.

The talks focused on the need to advance accession negotiations, as well as the recently adopted European Commission Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the Reform and Growth Facility.

The interlocutors agreed that the implementation of the Reform Agenda is crucial for North Macedonia's progress in the EU integration process and its accelerated economic growth. The meeting also discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation through joint projects in areas of mutual interest.

Murtezani emphasized North Macedonia's readiness to deepen cooperation with Hungary through available EU instruments, which are key for building institutional capacities and aligning with EU standards, in order to accelerate the accession process.

Regional cooperation was also discussed with both sides emphasizing their shared commitment to deepening cooperation with neighboring countries and actively participating in regional initiatives. Murtezani highlighted North Macedonia’s support for the Berlin Process and the implementation of the Action Plan for the Common Regional Market, noting that regional cooperation must be fully aligned with European standards and regulations to ensure the successful integration of the countries in the region in the EU, based on identical criteria and standards.

At the meeting in Budapest, the Ministers for European Affairs of North Macedonia and Hungary expressed their commitment to continuing this highly productive cooperation. They agreed that during Hungary's presidency of the EU Council, additional efforts will be made to accelerate North Macedonia's accession process and strengthen regional initiatives that will contribute to the stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans, the Ministry of European Affairs stated.

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs