Skopje, 26 July 2022 (MIA) – Regional energy networking, increasing energy capacities, safe and stable energy supply is our joint priority. We agreed, both at a technical and political level, that we will jointly address and overcome the energy crisis and coping with Ukraine war effects related to food shortages, said Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi alongside Albanian and Serbian counterparts, Arben Ahmetaj and Branislav Nedimovic respectively, following meetings of the Open Balkan inter-governmental working groups in Tirana on Tuesday. The three countries agreed that food supply amid a global crisis is a challenge and specific cooperation mechanisms are required to ensure sustainability of supply, the Government said in a press release. Export bans for certain food products will not refer to countries of the Open Balkan, resulting in secure supply of flour, oil, sugar, salt and other basic products for the citizens of North Macedonia, Serbia and Albania over the coming winter. Working groups on rapid response during disasters and accidents agreed that each country will delegate a contact point for the purpose of regular communication in case of a crisis. In addition, the three countries can benefit from joint applications for EU funds. The three countries are also working on harmonizing systems for e-identification cards, which is the final stage prior to the cancellation of the work permits. These cards will provide access to a 12-million common labor market across the Open Balkan area. Ministries and chambers will identify production capacities and consumption needs within Open Balkan, drafting a roadmap for mutual cooperation. Furthermore, countries will map opportunities for joint investments in energy infrastructure, especially in the field of renewable energy sources, whereas all raw materials used for electricity production in the three countries will be made available, reads the press release.