The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov pays two-day official visit to the Republic of Albania, upon an invitation of the Albanian President Bamir Topi.

The existing good political relations between Macedonia and Albania should be supplemented by more intensive cooperation in the economic sector, which is currently lagging behind. Exploitation of potentials is a future priority, which is conditioned by proper infrastructure enabling free movement of people, commodities and services, assessed today in Tirana President Ivanov and President Topi.

In the context of infrastructure, the significance of Corridor 8 and the necessity for greater efforts in this regard was emphasized. Concerning the border crossing point Golo Brdo, President Ivanov said that Macedonia has accomplished its duty, whereas President Topi assessed the delay in the road works on the Albanian side as a technical issue.


Both interlocutors referred to the issue of minorities and good neighbourly relations. President Topi said that the Macedonian minority in Albania is considered integrated and enjoys all rights in line with the Constitution and the international conventions, whereas the country has been positively assessed by the Council of Europe. The Albanian people and institutions are cautious regarding this process and will encourage people to freely declare themselves. We will not allow any ultra-nationalist to deform this process, added President Topi.

President Ivanov said the communities should represent a bridge linking the countries and that Macedonia is an exceptional example of respecting the rights of the ethnic communities in the region. I would be overjoyed if the Framework Agreement principles are observed in all countries from the region. We all aspire towards Europe, but we have to create Europe in our countries too, said President Ivanov, recommending the politicians to act in a European manner and leave their Balkan attitude behind. As regards the promotion of the rights of the minorities, President Ivanov opened the issue the Macedonian Language Study Program to become Macedonian Language Department at the University in Tirana.



Presidents Ivanov and Topi also stressed the countries’ common interests for EU and NATO Integration. President Ivanov thanked Albania, being a member of the Alliance, for its efforts in promoting Macedonia’s accession. The two countries signed today an agreement on cooperation and support on the road to the EU.


President Ivanov had a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Sali Berisha. At the meeting, the good political relations and the need for boosting the economic ties were reiterated.