Skopje, 2 October 2024 (MIA) - Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani met Wednesday with newly-appointed Albanian Ambassador Denion Meidani, discussing topics of mutual interest, including EU integration, bilateral cooperation, Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, and significance of IPA projects for both countries.

Minister Murtezani said North Macedonia and Albania are very close partners and allies with joint strategic goals, in the context of path to EU membership, the Ministry of European Affairs said in a press release.

EU's decision to decouple the accession process of the two countries was a subject of thorough discussions, where Murtezani stressed that despite the decoupling, both countries remain strongly committed to cooperation in reform processes and sharing experiences essential for meeting European standards.

Interlocutors agreed that Euro-integration is a national priority and a regional necessity for stability and development.

Regarding IPA projects, Murtezani and Meidani reaffirmed their commitments to strengthening cooperation though joint IPA projects. They also added that IPA-supported projects are a key mechanism for strengthening institutional capacities, especially in areas such as the rule of law, economic development, and administrative reforms.

Both sides expressed preparedness for closer coordination towards a more efficient implementation of such projects for better integration of the Western Balkans in the European economic and political sphere. ssh/ik/

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs