Münster, 28 August 2021 (MIA) – Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras received on Saturday the 2020 International Peace of Westphalia Prize in Münster, Germany, and stressed the importance of the Prespa Agreement for their countries, as well as for the whole region. Latvian President Egils Levits handed them the prize, as a representative of the three Baltic states honored with the 2018 Peace of Westphalia Prize. PM Zaev said that stakeholders were focused on finding a solution even when that seemed impossible, while Tsipras noted that they intended to produce an agreement that will last and won’t break down at the first sign of difficulty. Zaev also stressed that just like the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia was a turning point in Europe, the Prespa Agreement was a turning point in the Western Balkan region. Both sides, he added, made compromises in the name of friendship and the interest of political partners, as well as their own. “Throughout the process, we refused to discuss red lines. Red lines are limiting, they put you in a box. We refused to put the process in a box. That’s how friendship works. It’s focused on solutions and building bridges, not walls,” Zaev underlined. He said that challenges offer a chance to produce solutions, adding that he and Tsipras chose to resolve the dispute posthaste. “Alexis and I were fully aware that we were putting our political careers at risk. Our strong commitment and readiness to sacrifice our political careers for the sake of the future brought us together and guided us throughout the process,” the PM noted. He also said that the signing of the Prespa Agreement was crucial for North Macedonia’s accession to NATO and once again stressed that the country has no alternative to EU integration. “We’re committed to a vision of the Balkans in the 21st century, as a region of peace, stability and increased regional cooperation resulting in economic growth and prosperity for all citizens. Now’s the time to unite around the fact that history is an important part of our identities, but the vision for the future has a special place in our heart,” Zaev underlined, adding that the prize will serve as a reminder to base future political decisions on peace and European values. Former Greek PM Tsipras addressed the ceremony and underlined that the prize belongs to the citizens of both countries who cooperate and invest in the joint future of their countries and the region. Tsipras added that Brussels has an obligation to fully support the Prespa Agreement and deliver on its promises just like North Macedonia met EU integration requirements. Saturday’s ceremony was attended by Latvian President Egils Levits, the Chairman of the German Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe Reinhard Zinkann and Münster Mayor Markus Lewe, all of who stressed that Zoran Zaev and Alexis Tsipras managed to do something no one has done before, adding that the Prespa Agreement was crucial for ending a long crisis and established the foundation for friendly bilateral relations and security in the region.