Skopje, 25 August 2021 (MIA) – Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, accompanied by Minister of Defence Radmila Shekerinska, held a meeting on Wednesday with a delegation from Kosovo, led by Defence Minister Armend Mehaj. At the meeting, the government said in a press release, interlocutors reaffirmed friendly bilateral relations. “Both sides agreed that NATO integration means stability and security for the region and ensures economic growth. They also expressed efforts aimed at EU integration, as well as application of European values at home, with the goal of promoting the quality of life both in North Macedonia and in Kosovo,” the press release read. The Kosovo delegation congratulated Zaev and the Macedonian government for implementing the policy of dialogue at international level, which has contributed to North Macedonia’s progress and its accession to NATO, and expressed expectations for further progress in European perspectives. “Full-fledged NATO membership means stability, security and safety, but has also attracted the interest of foreign investors, resulting in economic development. We’re focused on promoting the living standard by applying European values, especially in areas of rule of law and fight against crime and corruption. The ‘one society for all concept’ has brought equal rights, as well as equal responsibilities for all citizens,” the release underlined. Participants also agreed at the meeting that North Macedonia and Kosovo expressed a high level of maturity in regard to developments in Afghanistan. Moreover, they discussed the importance of solidarity between countries in the region, Europe and the world, in order to successfully manage the pandemic, as well as ways to enhance economic cooperation between North Macedonia and Kosovo. The Ministry of Defence and the government expressed readiness at the meeting to share experiences regarding NATO integration.