Skopje, 14 March 2022 (MIA) — Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi, together with representatives of smaller political parties in Parliament and parliamentary group coordinators, met today with High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell. According to an official press release, Xhaferi said Borrell’s visit was a much needed confirmation of the country's European perspective, especially considering current events in Ukraine and the region showing how quickly peace and stability can change and threaten the continent's security and economy. He told Borrell that Parliament had passed a Declaration strongly condemning the military attacks on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and calling on national institutions to help provide humanitarian aid to refugees from Ukraine. Xhaferi also spoke about the reforms the country has implemented as well as the issues it has solved with neighboring countries, calling for the start of membership negotiations with the EU as soon as possible. Borrell, who has served as the president of the European Parliament, welcomed the steps taken by policymakers to progress on the country’s European integration path. He also urged the country to overcome issues raised by the European Commission, which he said would advance the national interest as well as its EU accession. Borrell praised the constructive approach of the new governments in Skopje and Sofia and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to beginning membership negotiations with North Macedonia as soon as possible. Representatives of parliamentary groups and smaller political parties unanimously reaffirmed the country’s commitment to joining the EU while at the same time conveying the drop in public support for the EU and doubts about its credibility if the situation didn’t change. They also expressed their support for Ukraine and its territorial integrity, the release says. mr/