Friday, 14 May 2021
MEETING BETWEEN PRESIDENT XHAFERI AND MAZI
Today, the President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, Talat Xhaferi, met with the Chief Negotiator for the accession of the Republic of Albania to the EU, Zef Mazi.
President Xhaferi highlighted the excellent relations between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Albania, marked by intensive political dialogue and cooperation at all levels and called for further deepening of cooperation in a number of areas of mutual interest. He referred to the internal situation in the country, as well as the commitment to overcome the decades-long disputes with Greece and Bulgaria, which contributed to North Macedonia gaining NATO membership and the green light by the Council of the European Union to start negotiations for membership in the European Union. President Xhaferi referred to the parliamentary diplomacy and the role of the Assembly in the process of accession to the EU, primarily through the amendments to the laws and the adoption of new legislation for the reform process.
Chief Negotiator Mazi referred to Albania's accession process to the EU and emphasized that he follows and values the results of the Republic of North Macedonia in its European integration process. He stressed the vital role of parliaments in overseeing government steps in the negotiations and building state positions during the negotiations. Mazi expressed hope that after the constitution of the Assembly of the Republic of Albania, the successful cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries will continue, as it helps the process of European integration.
Xhaferi and Mazi agreed that North Macedonia and Albania share common foreign policy interests, within the EU and NATO and the regional cooperation, and a commitment to an overall development of the Western Balkans. There is no alternative for the countries in the region, their future is in the EU. The enlargement process should not be constantly delayed and the Union should offer concrete perspectives for the European integration, and above all, holding the first intergovernmental conferences for the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Albania, which will mark the formal start of negotiations.