Budva, 5 June 2023 (MIA) - As the new South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) chair-country and its motto "Bridging Divisions, Building Trust", North Macedonia is aware that bilateral disputes and political blockades represent the biggest threat to the region, preventing European integration, bilateral and regional cooperation, and can easily be abused by foreign actors, said Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani on Monday.

"It is my firm belief that we should avoid these attempts and open up to the opportunities offered by reconciliation, dialogue and dispute resolution through understanding, respect and mutually acceptable solutions. North Macedonia is taking this path, with the Ohrid Framework Agreement, the Bulgaria Friendship Treaty, the Prespa Agreement, and last year's compromise over our European path serving as testimonies of our commitment to this true European cause," FM Osmani told a joint press conference with Montenegro Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic after the SEECP ministerial meeting in Budva.

Osmani expressed hope that sustainable solutions for the remaining open issues would be reached through compromise in the near future, leading to EU membership and economic growth, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

"This arises from our joint interest and we should not hesitate but use strategic resolve in our actions," said Osmani.

North Macedonia's year-long SEECP Chairmanship, which begins on July 1, will also focus on strengthening of democracy, fundamental rights and values, rule of law and fight against corruption, energy security and acceleration of decarbonization, joint efforts in building trans-European transport corridors, implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and digital transformation, reads the press release.