Skopje, 26 April 2023 (MIA) - North Macedonia and Kosovo play an active role in the efforts to reach permanent stability, goodneighborliness and economic prosperity. The countries are not only geographically close but share the same vision about the future as well. Bilateral cooperation has strengthened in many areas but there is always room for its improvement, agreed President Stevo Pendarovski and visiting Kosovo counterpart Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu on Wednesday.

"We exchanged opinions and information on current topics related to bilateral relations, domestic developments, current and future economic cooperation, regional affairs and European integration, which are unfortunately taking place amid the negative effects of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. We agreed that the common future of both countries lies in Euro-Atlantic institutions is an investment in the further stabilization and prosperity of the Western Balkans," President Pendarovski told a joint press conference with Osmani.

He reaffirmed the support to Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, noting that North Macedonia is prepared to share its experiences in the reform processes on the EU path and regarding NATO membership.

"We support the EU decision on visa liberalization for Kosovo and actively support Kosovo's participation in various regional and continental cooperation formats. Kosovo-Serbia relations were also discussed and I reaffirmed our position on the issue by saluting the acceptance of the EU proposal for normalization of relations, which implementation will contribute to the peace, stability, security and development of our neighbors but also the region as a whole," said Pendarovski.

We are prepared, he added, to assist in the capacity of OSCE chair-country in the process, especially in the implementation of certain parts of the agreement endorsed by both parties involved.

On the association of Serb communities in Kosovo, the President said this is a discussion between the two countries for the purpose of completing Kosovo's legal and political status.

"The only thing we can do for our Kosovo and Serbian friends is promote the model we have implemented and the compromises we made. North Macedonia has and will continue to have equal relationship with both Serbia and Kosovo. We recognize both countries, we have embassies in both countries. They have embassies here and our diplomatic ties are comprehensive, so I do not intend to take sides in this issue," said Pendarovski.

Pendarovski and Osmani also tackled the possibilities for enhancement of the rights of Macedonians in Kosovo, "at a time when, unfortunately, some foreign propaganda has been activated again."

"In this regard, it is our common goal to bring citizens from both sides of the border closer and facilitate and intensify cross-border cooperation," said Pendarovski.

President Osmani thanked North Macedonia for its support to Kosovo and its vote supporting Pristina in the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers.

"Kosovo and North Macedonia are not only geographically close, they both share the same vision about the future. We have made good progress since the establishment of bilateral ties. We have over 40 bilateral agreements and many memoranda between ministries, as well as initiatives for signing of new international agreements," said Osmani.

The Kosovo President said she was honored to be in a country that many of her compatriots call their own.

"Besides the contribution of Albanians in the building of North Macedonia's institutions, the Albanians were and will continue to be an important positive force in the Euro-Atlantic integration process. It is important to have the support of Albanians in North Macedonia in all walks of life, as equal citizens contributing to North Macedonia's progress. Enhancement of citizens' rights is the pillar of democracy in every society," said Osmani.

She added that the two countries are committed to the enhancement of peace and stability of the region, where destabilization challenges still exist.

"Our countries are on the side of democracy and the people of Ukraine. All countries of the Western Balkans should work together against Russia's negative influence in the region,' said Osmani.

On the events in Kosovo's north, the President said the country's constitution reads that all citizens are equal before the laws.

"This means that those not observing the laws should face consequences. Our security forces attempt to establish order and peace in northern Kosovo while observing the highest democratic standards. This encompasses hundreds of acts on countering corruption and serious crime by groups that are included in the United States blacklist," said Osmani.

Regarding the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, she said the outcome would depend on both sides.

"As President of Kosovo, I can guarantee that Kosovo will take part in the next round of talks," underlined Osmani.

After the meeting, Pendarovski and Osmani laid flowers at the grave of Macedonian revolutionary Goce Delchev in Skopje-based church St.Spas.

President Osmani is also set to meet with Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, and deliver an address before lawmakers.

On Thursday, Osmani will pay a visit to Tetovo and meet with Mayor Bilal Kasami.

Photo: President's Office