Skopje, 20 November 2024 (MIA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski participated Wednesday in a meeting of Central European Initiative (CEI) foreign ministers held in Tirana as part of Albania’s CEI presidency. 

The meeting focused on EU enlargement amid the new geopolitical circumstances and the Russian aggression against Ukraine, whose consequences are reflected on both regional and international security and stability, said the Foreign Ministry. 

At the meeting, the ministers reaffirmed CEI’s role as an important platform for effective solutions to regional challenges and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest

In his address at the meeting, Mucunski stressed that regional cooperation is crucial to stimulate the process of European integration, which, he said, is essential for peace, security and economic development of the continent. He noted that postponing the enlargement process could seriously damage the European Union’s credibility in the region.

“The fear of another potentially long and unpredictable process only further increases the frustration of our citizens. With many unknowns regarding the scale and timing of the future accessions, any further delay could have a devastating impact on the EU’s credibility in the region,” Minister Mucunski stressed.

The FM also touched upon CEI’s role; the importance of regional cooperation; the strong partnership within NATO; and the support for Ukraine.

“We are fully committed to intensifying cooperation, not only on an intergovernmental and parliamentary level, but also between our nongovernmental organizations, young people, scientific institutions, business communities and local governments,” Mucunski added, stressing the need for joint efforts to further strengthen cooperation within CEI.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade