Skopje, 21 September 2022 (MIA) - Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani at the sidelines of the 77th UN General Assembly took part in a meeting of the United States - Adriatic Charter (A5) foreign ministers. Regional state of play, the current security situation globally as well as new challenges and security implications from the Russian invasion of Ukraine were discussed at the meeting, organized by Montenegro as the current A5 chairmanship holder, said the Foreign Ministry. Addressing the meeting, Osmani said North Macedonia will take over the A5 chairmanship next year, which also marks the 20th anniversary of the regional organization. Also, he welcomed the achievements of the Adriatic Charter in meeting the standards and criteria as well as the accession of NATO by four members of A5. Additionally, the Minister stressed the importance of accelerated EU integration processes of the countries in the region calling it a vital investment in the entire regional and European security. "The opening of North Macedonia's accession negotiations with the European Union stressed the significance of the enlargement policy, being one of the most successful projects for strengthening the European unity and consolidating the security and democratic principles and values. The new chapter in the relations with the EU is seen as an encouraging message for the Euro-integration processes of the remaining Western Balkan countries, especially in the context of the new geopolitical reality," said Osmani. FM Osmani welcomed the strong US support for A5 activities thanking for the continuous American engagement in maintaining regional stability and the Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkan countries, stated the press release. Signed in 2003 under the aegis of the United States, the Adriatic Charter, consisting of Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, was established for the purpose of aiding their attempts to join NATO. Since then, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia have joined NATO.