Wednesday, 20 November 2019
MEETING BETWEEN PRESIDENT XHAFERI AND MIMI KODHELI, CHAIR OF THE FOREIGN POLICY COMMITTEE OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, Talat Xhaferi, met today with Mimi Kodheli, Chair of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Assembly of the Republic of Albania.
President Xhaferi stressed that this visit was of particular importance to him, given that the relations between the two countries are at the highest level and there are no open issues between them. He put special emphasis on the current status of the two countries regarding their EU integration and added that despite not getting a date for opening negotiations, he believed in the credibility of the Union and the Council's capacity to recognize the moment and give the green light.
The Chair of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Assembly of the Republic of Albania, Kodheli, expressed her deep satisfaction for having this meeting. She greeted President Xhaferi’s work, especially in this sensitive period for the two countries, which continue with even greater intensity to close the cracks in the wall that is currently facing the road to the EU. President Kodheli expressed confidence that this uncertainty would be overcome, convinced that with the current developments in the Union and the eventual opening of negotiations, the two countries would show maturity in the process and change the perception of EU member states towards the region.
The meeting was also attended by members of the Albanian Delegation who came in a mixed composition, i.e. representatives from the government and the opposition. They contributed to the meeting by 
sending a message that applies to our domestic political scene as well, which is, when it comes to big, essential and state issues concerning the future of both countries and the region, all political factors are on the same side – the side of reason and compromise, and are sincerely and constructively engaged in improving the political climate at home.
The interlocutors agreed that for the region, there is no other way than full membership in the European Union and NATO, while the enrichment of bilateral relations in various areas, such as economy, education, culture, tourism, infrastructure and other areas of common interest may only bring added value to the countries and the region as a whole.