Skopje, 14 September 2021 (MIA) – Prime Minister Zoran Zaev met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Tirana on Tuesday, saying North Macedonia’s Euro-integration process should be accelerated through swift settlement of the dispute imposed by neighboring Bulgaria. He noted that the only acceptable proposal for the country in overcoming the blockade to the EU enlargement is the one unveiled during the Portuguese Presidency, which takes into consideration the commitments of both sides towards enhancing mutual relations and the region’s Euro-integration process. A delegation led by PM Zaev, also including Deputy PM for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, met with Chancellor Merkel after her official working lunch with the Western Balkans leaders, the Government said in a press release. The PM also referred to the Open Balkan initiative that is based on the EU operating principles. “We need swift settlement of political obstacles and North Macedonia’s EU integration. We have done our homework but we are not stopping there. On the contrary, we are working hard every day, fighting for a better tomorrow for our citizens,” Zaev told Merkel. The German Chancellor agreed that the EU integration of North Macedonia and the region should not be delayed any further and the continued progress is noted by all relevant European institutions and international partners. Zaev and Merkel also discussed the bilateral trade exchange and further promotion of investments in North Macedonia, considering the favorable business environment that has made Germany its top trading partner for years. In addition, PM Zaev thanked Chancellor Merkel for her personal engagement and invaluable contribution to the strengthening of bilateral relations, as well as her support to North Macedonia’s NATO membership and the EU accession process, reads the press release.