Skopje, 18 September 2023 (MIA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bujar Osmani, participated Monday in a meeting of Western Balkan foreign ministers in New York, organized by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, as part of the United Nations (UN) General Debate.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting was held in the context of Italy’s strengthened focus to accelerate the Euro-integration process of the Western Balkan countries, as well as to encourage regional cooperation.

Minister Osmani stressed that North Macedonia is committedly working on a more general acceptance of the concept for “more integration” of the Western Balkan countries before their full-fledged EU membership.

“The citizens should feel the concrete benefits of EU membership while the negotiations are ongoing, and not only after the formal EU accession. Through the concept of ‘Integration before Membership’, the credibility of the EU enlargement will be restored, and the citizens will regain their trust in the success of the negotiating process and the challenges we face during integration,” said Osmani.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the meeting also focused on regional cooperation. 

“The Berlin Process continues to be a comprehensive regional initiative with the biggest political and economic weight, a driving force of regional cooperation on the highest level and an initiator of the Common Regional Market of the Western Balkans and the Green Agenda,” highlighted the Ministry in a press release after the meeting.

Foreign Minister Osmani stressed the importance of Initiative 8 between Italy, Albania, Bulgaria and North Macedonia, adding that it represents an excellent opportunity for promoting cooperation and support in the implementation of the pan-European Corridor VIII.

“The completion of the rail and road connection will significantly contribute to the economic growth of the region and the integration of the Western Balkans within the EU,” said Osmani.

Photo: MIA Archive