Begaj in RMV: It is not fair that Kosovo is far from Euro-Atlantic processes

Albania's President Bajram Begaj said today in Skopje that Albania supports Kosovo's membership in international organisations and that it is not fair to keep it out of Euro-Atlantic processes.

Albania praises North Macedonia for co-operation with Kosovo, for its support and for the fact that it was among the first to recognise its independence. This is an investment in the security of the entire region”, Begaj said in his speech to MPs in the Northern Macedonia Assembly.

He stressed that regional co-operation is the key element of approaching the European Union.

European integration is not only the target of Albania, but the joint project and strategic direction of our countries' development. Our countries deserve more support on the road to European integration, because membership is not only the natural process, but the process deserved by which both the region and the EU” benefit from, he said.

Begaj added that Europe is not only destination but standard; that Europe implies rule of law, functional institutions and equality for all citizens.

North Macedonia has made difficult decisions, and Albania has supported you without hesitation. Neighborship is not just geographic reality. Whatever happens at the international level, Albania and Northern Macedonia will remain neighbouring. It is not only how close we are, but how strong we are together and how we will co-operate, co-ordinate and how visionary we will be, Begaj said, according to state news agency MIA.

Albanian president arrived yesterday afternoon on a three-day visit to northern Macedonia, which he kicked off in Skopje's Cair municipality, where chairman is Izet Mexhidi, one of the leaders of the Albanian ruling coalition V LEN.

Today, Begaj held meetings with Northern Macedonia President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, Prime Minister Hristian Mickoski and Parliament Speaker Africa Gashi.

Visit to Northern Macedonia, Begaj will wrap up tomorrow in Tetovo, where the mayor is Bilal Kasami, also one of the V leaders. LEN.