• Monday, 23 December 2024

Osmani from Brussels: We reaffirmed need for strong European, regional cooperation among SEE countries

Osmani from Brussels: We reaffirmed need for strong European, regional cooperation among SEE countries
Skopje, 15 November 2021 (MIA) – Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani took part in Brussels on Monday along with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and EU Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi in the informal meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) member states. During the meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release, top diplomats discussed the priorities of the Greek SEECP chairmanship under the motto "Strengthening SEE Synergies". “SEECP is a key factor for the EU integration aspirations of all partnering countries, as one of the oldest regional initiatives that has contributed to lasting peace, stability and economic prosperity in South-East Europe,” Osmani said. He reaffirmed the need for strong European and regional cooperation and solidarity in taking joint and coordinated measures for promoting overall relations between countries. Moreover, he stressed obvious challenges in terms of partnerships, inter-connectivity, synergies and shared future. “North Macedonia has become more resilient since joining NATO. However, the political crisis that followed local elections shows that our society is vulnerable to change. Weakened EU integration prospects have been a catalyst for negative trends,” the Minister said, highlighting the repercussions of standstill in the process on stability and prosperity. Participants, the press release read, used the forum to promote regional cohesion by strengthening political and economic support, as well as making efforts for democracy, rule of law, free market economy and respect for human rights, as basic European values that remain in the focus of all SEECP member states. Osmani, the release added, continues on Monday his working visit to Brussels. He will take part in the debate ‘Discussing the Future of Europe – Perspectives and Contributions from the Western Balkans’ and also meet with EU’s Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues, Miroslav Lajčák.