Skopje, 18 October 2024 (MIA) — Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi met Friday with Germany's Bundestag President Bärbel Bas, according to a Parliament press release.

Bas said German lawmakers were committed to investing in North Macedonia's progress on the way to the EU. She also offered her congratulations on the country's past achievements. "Your country is an example of a successful multi-ethnic society in the entire region, which Germany values highly," she is quoted as saying in the release.

Gashi expressed his gratitude for Germany's support to North Macedonia and its Parliament over the past several decades. He also thanked German lawmakers on adopting the Bundestag resolution recognizing Macedonian identity and said it was a gesture of respect.

The parliament speaker also relayed the new government and parliament's committment to continuing the European integration process and implementing the necessary reforms in the key areas pinpointed by the European Commission. 

To better defend democracy, human rights, transparency and openness, Gashi stressed the importance of continuing cooperation and meetings at all levels between the two parliaments. He also higlighted the Bundestag expertise in independent parliamentary security forces.

Meeting participants agreed that new laws should be developed for the energy sector, the use of renewables, and environmental protection.

Parliament's general secretary Marina Dimovska and North Macedonia's Ambassador in Germany Ylber Sela also attended the meeting, the release adds. mr/