Skopje, 16 November 2021 (MIA) – The conclusion of election processes in North Macedonia and Bulgaria has created preconditions for political stability and predictability in both countries, giving rise to the need to refocus engagements and energy on overcoming the differences that have led North Macedonia’s EU path to be blocked, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani said in Brussels on Tuesday. “A day after the elections in Bulgaria I travelled to Brussels for a two-day visit in order to meet with my Bulgarian counterpart, as well as with top EU officials, and agree on the next steps ahead of the EU Summit in December, one possible opportunity to start negotiations,” Osmani underlined. The top diplomat noted that the process will be hard, stressing that that’s why “opening each new chapter that brings the country one step closer to the EU will be of vital importance.” “Having in mind that North Macedonia is the key to unblocking the entire region, all stakeholders should take part in finding a solution with the aim of stating negotiations, making a crucial contribution not just for the country, but for the region,” Osmani said at the end of his two-day visit to Brussels. The FM met on Tuesday with Chair of the EP’s Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee Andreas Schieder and EP Rapporteur on North Macedonia Ilhan Kyuchyuk, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. Interlocutors discussed during the meetings latest political developments in North Macedonia, as well as the country’s EU integration and ways to achieve progress in the process, the press release read. “MEPs underlined strong support for the European perspective of North Macedonia, uninterrupted implementation of the European agenda, the adoption of the negotiating framework and holding the first intergovernmental conference. They stressed the importance of implementation of reforms, as well as stability, with the aim of creating a positive atmosphere for starting talks. Moreover, they underlined that North Macedonia has set an example in the region and beyond as a multiethnic and peace-loving country, committed to finding solutions through compromise and dialogue. Pointing out the geopolitical aspect for the importance of EU enlargement in the region, MEPs also unanimously agreed that the Western Balkans is crucial for the security and stability of the EU, as well as the overall economic, political and social progress of the continent,” read the release. Kyuchyuk also briefed Osmani during the meeting on preparations for the news resolution on the progress of North Macedonia, a document traditionally produced by the European Parliament each year. FM Osmani also met on Tuesday with the diplomatic advisor of European Council President Charles Michel, Simon Mordue, and other EU representatives.