Brussels, 14 February 2024 (MIA) - North Macedonia's EU accession process, developments in the country ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections, and regional affairs were the key topics discussed at the meeting between the caretaker Prime Minister, Talat Xhaferi, and the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, held late this afternoon in Brussels.

At the meeting, where Xhaferi was joined by the First Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, Bojan Marichikj, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bujar Osmani, it was noted that North Macedonia has made significant progress in the EU accession process.

Xhaferi highlighted that the Government will maintain the same pace, commitment, and efficiency in carrying out all processes and obligations arising from the ongoing accession negotiations with the European Union. Additionally, he stated that the Government supports the initiated procedure for amending the Constitution and will actively work to secure the necessary majority.

He also expressed gratitude to von der Leyen for the European Commission's initiative to launch the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which represents a concrete offer for the accelerated integration of the region, highly valued by North Macedonia.

On her part, the President of the European Commission congratulated Xhaferi on his appointment as Prime Minister and expressed confidence that the Government will continue its efforts to implement the reforms as part of the accession negotiations, as well as those outlined in the Growth Plan's reform agenda.

Xhaferi concluded his working visit to Brussels with the meeting with von der Leyen, marking his first official trip abroad since taking office as Prime Minister.

Caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi met with European Council President Charles Michel and with Members of European Parliament Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Tonino Picula, Tineke Strik and Karlo Ressler, in Brussels on Wednesday, while late Tuesday he met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at the NATO headquarters in Brussels.

The Government, i.e., the ruling majority and the citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia, are continuing down the European path and are committed to fulfilling the prerequisites that will open our path so that we can finally conclude our journey to full-fledged membership into the European Union, Talat Xhaferi told MIA in Brussels on Wednesday asked about his message to the representatives of the EU institutions.

“In that context, my first visit is to the European Union, to demonstrate and practically convey the commitment to the fulfillment of all prerequisites so that we can continue on our European path,” Xhaferi said.

Photo: Government