Skopje, 2 May 2023 (MIA) - The European file of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans region in the light of Sweden's EU Presidency was in the focus of a meeting between Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani and Sweden's Minister for European Union Affairs, Jessika Roswall, who is paying a working visit to North Macedonia on Tuesday. 

Osmani welcomed the efforts of the current Swedish EU Presidency in dealing with sensitive issues in the complex geopolitical circumstances created, particularly due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In that context, he highlighted military, political and humanitarian support with which North Macedonia contributes to international efforts to deal with aggression, including 100 percent alignment with all EU sanctions against Russia regarding the developments in Ukraine, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release. 

Osmani briefed Roswell on the country's accession process, the press release adds, bringing out the screening process and preparatory activities in terms of the obligations undertaken to be fulfilled ahead of holding the second intergovernmental conference with the EU and opening the clusters. He also reaffirmed the country's commitment to continue the dialogue with Bulgaria based on mutual respect and understanding. 

"The Union's enlargement with the countries that meet the membership criteria is vital, both for the specific countries and for the Union itself. We need clear signals that enlargement of the European family by 2030 is a possible mission," Osmani pointed out.  

During the constructive and friendly talks, the Ministers also exchanged views on the perspectives of the EU enlargement policy, with a focus on the ideas for accelerated integration of the Western Balkan countries, as a credible and right step towards improving democratic development, increasing economic opportunities for the countries and the citizens, as well as helping the reconciliation process in the region.

FM Osmani reiterated North Macedonia's unreserved support for Sweden's full-fledged NATO membership in the shortest possible time.

"OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani briefed Roswell on current developments in terms of the OSCE Chairmanship through the prism of the priorities set, whereby European security and thus Ukraine remains top priority and key security issue within OSCE 2023," reads the press release.