Skopje, 3 May 2022 (MIA) – Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi met Tuesday with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, extending gratitude for Lithuania’s continuous interest in supporting North Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic and European integration. Xhaferi expressed regret over the circumstances during which the meeting takes place, when the security of the European continent is under threat, i.e. when Ukraine faces unjustified and unprovoked military aggression by the Russian Federation, an act that the global community, including North Macedonia, strongly condemns and declares as flagrant violation of the territorial integrity of a sovereign state, in violation of internationally recognized borders and international law, the Parliament Speaker’s office said in a press release. Xhaferi mentioned his recent visit to Ukraine, noting that he gave personal and institutional support to the efforts of Ukrainian institutions to restore peace and control on their entire territory. He pointed out that North Macedonia has joined all measures and commitments taken by the European Union in support of Ukraine. Miister Landsbergis voiced strong support for North Macedonia’s European integration and start of EU accession negotiations as soon as possible. He pointed out it was very important that the country firmly adheres to all sanctions against Russia imposed by the European Union. “Regarding the opposition of the Republic of Bulgaria and the veto on the start of the Republic of North Macedonia’s accession negotiations, he stressed that it was unacceptable, particularly in this difficult times when European security is threatened, and unity and solidarity among European countries are key to overcome the crisis. He noted that the Republic of Lithuania has made great progress in all areas, including democracy, economy and institutions, since joining the EU,” reads the press release. Xhaferi and Landsbergis agreed that greater mutual cooperation and support as NATO member countries is needed in order to overcome the crisis situations on the European continent.