Xhaferi: Support for Democratic Values in the Western Balkans Is Inevitable

Northern Macedonia Government Chairman Talat Xhaferi has arrived at the 60th Muslim Security Conference in Munich, clearly defining the challenges facing global democracy and the Euro-Atlantic integration process in the Western Balkans. In an election year, Xhaferi has stressed the obligation to protect these values, praising the Conference as a key platform to strengthen the country's determination towards the Euro-Atlantic road and promote democratic values.

At this international meeting, Prime Minister Xhaferi, along with more than 450 political leaders, has expressed North Macedonia's determination to build a strategic partnership with the United States of America, to contribute to international security by joining NATO and accelerate the process of integration into the European Union. During discussions on panel and bilateral meetings, the will has been harmonised to promote reconciliation instead of revenge and strengthen regional co-operation, as part of the way towards full EU integration.

In their talks at the Conference, so important were other topics that were discussed, such as the role of the United States in global security, facing the growth of authoritarian actors, and supporting democratic values in Ukraine. The need for close co-operation to contain possible threats and to strengthen international security structures, such as NATO, was also stressed.

In bilateral meetings with regional leaders and international partners, Xhaferi has made it clear that elections in northern Macedonia are scheduled for the country's Euro-Atlantic perspective and for stability in the region. The focus of the talks has also been the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU, which has been praised as a political, security and economic interest of the region and the European Union.

During these discussions, there was also the need to cope with the harmful nationalism and horrors that challenge progress and stability in the region. For this reason, regional co-operation and commitment to a Euro-Atlantic future are key values regional leaders must promote and strengthen in the coming months.