The President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, during his official visit to North Macedonia, delivered a speech in the Assembly of the neighboring country, where he emphasized the importance of relations between the two countries and their role in regional stability.
Begaj described North Macedonia as one of Albania’s most trusted partners, stressing that “RMV is not only a close neighbor and ally, but a country with which the Republic of Albania has traditionally had good relations. The success story of our two countries is based on dialogue, building bridges of communication, mutual support and prudence to avoid clashes.”
He recalled that Albania was among the first to ratify the agreement for North Macedonia’s membership in NATO.
“Albania was the first country to recognize and among the first to ratify the agreement on the membership of the Republic of Moldova in NATO. When isolation threatened your development, the Port of Durrës was an economic breather for you. A good neighbor is known in difficult days.”
President Begaj underlined that the joint commitment to integration in the European Union must be accompanied by the intensification of economic cooperation.
“Commitment to the EU must be accompanied by the same level of economic cooperation. We have agreements on specific projects and sectors, but we need to invest more in technology, tourism and renewable energy, as well as strengthen the role of chambers of commerce, entrepreneurs and educational institutions.”
He described the creation of a common regional market as a necessity for sustainable development, adding that, “Our two countries still have a lot to do, especially in terms of strengthening economic cooperation. The creation of a common regional market is a necessity for sustainable development and growth.”
In his speech, Begaj also focused on the Corridor VIII project, which he stated that “It is an opportunity for employment and an artery for trade. It is more than a transport route, it is a security project and it places us at the heart of this strategic axis.”
“We are on a common journey towards the European Union, with a clear pro-Western orientation and friends of the United States of America. We have learned from mutual experiences and today our relations are a pillar of stability in the Western Balkans. These relationships should translate into more prosperity and economic development for our citizens.”-said, among other things, in his speech, President Begaj.
