Skopje, 13 June 2024 (MIA) - North Macedonia's year-long Chairmanship with the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) under slogan "Bridging Divides, Building Trust" has been completed, with Chairman-in-Office and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani saying Thursday the country has successfully completed the presidency by reaching consensus on two important issues.

"The success we achieved exceeded even our expectations. We reached consensus and nominated Bosnia and Herzegovina's candidate Amer Kapetanovic for the position of Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General, whereas the Committee of Political Directors reached consensus over the Skopje Summit declaration," FM Osmani told a press conference.

According to him, there is no alternative to the European Union accession, adding that the region should choose democracy instead of violence, as well as work on building a sustainable process that will make the European architecture even stronger.

"There is no alternative to EU accession, considering the last enlargement cycles, which confirmed that stability of incoming countries has improved. It is crucial that we double our efforts and communicate the positive effects of enlargement, as well as implement credible reforms and good neighborliness," said Osmani.

Albania's Deputy Foreign Minister Artemis Malo expressed assurance that Tirana recognizes the significance of SEECP and will continue, as the next chair, to share the collective vision for a European future of the region.

"Amid this very important moment, let me reaffirm Albania's political commitment in undertaking the SEECP Chairmanship under slogan 'Shaping the European Future'. We will remain fully committed to strengthening regional cooperation and implementing a common regional market. By recognizing SEECP's significance in the promotion of regional cooperation, economic growth and security infrastructure while supporting the European integration process, we recognize that the Process leads the path to reconciliation, trust, building security and prosperity in the region. On behalf of Albania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Albanian Government, let me stress that by sharing our collective vision for a European future of the region and respecting the diversity and common values of every participant in the Process, we are certain that SEECP members will continue to aspire to the EU," said Malo.

Photo: MIA