The Minister for Community Relations of North Macedonia, Agon Ferati, held a meeting with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Ferit Hoxha, in the MFA building in Tirana.
The meeting discussed the advancement of interstate relations and the improvement of infrastructural connections as factors of economic development and bringing citizens closer together.
Minister Ferati presented the ministry’s efforts to create a new climate between ethnic communities and combat stereotypes that damage relations between them.
According to the press release from the institution of the neighboring country, Minister Hoxha expressed readiness for deepening relations in all areas and emphasized the need for coordination of efforts for the Eighth Corridor, the road part of which in Albania is expected to be completed in 2029, while the railway part in 2032. The additional border facilities were evaluated as important for strengthening connections and the well-being of citizens.
Both ministers emphasized the importance of partnership in the framework of regional cooperation and European integration, through concrete initiatives that facilitate movement and create new opportunities for development and common prosperity.
North Macedonia and Albania are allies in the Euro-Atlantic family and share the common goal of full membership in the European Union. The acceleration of this process is expected to contribute to economic development, the strengthening of democracy and the rule of law, as well as to the increase of social well-being.
Special attention was paid to social cohesion. Minister Ferati emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation through civil society organizations in both countries, in addition to inter-institutional cooperation.
In conclusion, both ministers reaffirmed their will to raise bilateral relations to a new level and to transform cooperation into concrete results for the citizens of both countries.
