Skopje, 28 August 2024 (MIA) - Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani met Wednesday in Vienna with Austria's Federal Minister for the EU and Constitution, Karoline Edtstadler, discussing bilateral relations and enhancement of North Macedonia's European integration process, with a focus on the Union enlargement policy and the recently promoted Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

The meeting focused on the Draft-Reform Agenda 2024-2027 that Minister Murtezani presented as a comprehensive and cohesive set of measures designed to speed up North Macedonia's economic convergence with the European Union. The reform agenda incorporates a series of quantitative and qualitative initiatives aimed at reducing the economic gap, increase competitiveness and ensure the fulfillment of EU's strict standards, the Minister of European Affairs said in a press release.

"The reform agenda is not only a strategic plan but a testimony of our commitment to the alignment with European standards and promotion of our EU accession process. Through the support from partners like Austria and the framework provided by the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, we are certain to achieve concrete progress toward full-fledged Union membership," said Murtezani.

He expressed gratitude for Austria's continued and vocal support for North Macedonia's European path, as well as its active role in the promotion of the enlargement policy within the Union. Murtezani also highlighted the potential for further cooperation under the new Regional Strategy of the Austrian Development Cooperation with the Western Balkans.

"This strategy offers a framework for Austria's engagement in the region, including bilateral and regional projects in the key areas of good governance and rule of law, sustainable and inclusive social and economic development, climate and environment," noted Murtezani.

Minister Edtstadler reaffirmed Austria's commitment in supporting North Macedonia on its EU membership path, while highlighting the Western Balkans' strategic significance for European stability and security.

Interlocutors agreed over the need for continued cooperation and dialogue to ensure North Macedonia's successful navigation through the challenges of the EU integration process.

The ministers expressed readiness for mutual commitment in enhancing bilateral relations and joint work in achieving North Macedonia's European integration objectives, with the Draft-Reform Agenda and the Growth Plan as key components in this process, reads the press release.

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs