The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in Villa Biljana, Ohrid, met with the President of the Republic of Albania, Bujar Nishani.

This is the first informal meeting of the two presidents. The aim of the meeting was to maintain the previously established dynamics of regular meetings at the highest level between Macedonia and Albania.

The focus of the talks between President Ivanov and President Nishani were the existing bilateral relations and areas where there is unused potential for strengthening cooperation.

Mutual conclusion was that the political relations between the two countries are at a level that allows the overall energy and resources in the future to be focused on the development of economic cooperation, infrastructure and energy connectivity, cross-border cooperation, development of tourism, cooperation in the fight against organized crime, in the area of culture and protection of cultural heritage, as well as in the sphere of environmental protection.

President Ivanov confirmed the commitment of the Republic of Macedonia for continuation and further development of good neighborly relations through open dialogue.

In terms of the common strategic goal - European Union membership, the two presidents agreed that the European integration of the Western Balkan countries is essential for the regional stability and development, and, in this context, reaffirmed mutual support. Therefore, opinions were exchanged on the reforms both countries implement, as well as the expectations for the upcoming period. President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the support for Macedonia’s membership in NATO and his expectation that the support will continue in the future.

Both presidents at the meeting exchanged opinions on the current region-related issues, sharing the view that all contentious and unresolved issues should be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect. Promotion of bilateral and intensification of regional cooperation should be tools to promote the new reality in the region, despite the perceptions established in the past, President Ivanov said. It means fostering good neighborly relations, cooperation and mutual support in the Euro-Atlantic integration processes and strengthening areas of cooperation of specific benefit for the citizens of all countries in the region. Macedonian and Albanian President pledged to further cooperation and support at multilateral level.

President Ivanov accepted the invitation to visit the Republic of Albania in the near future, which will also ensure contacts between the business communities of both countries.

President Ivanov expressed his condolences for the accident that happened this morning on the road between Pec and Elbasan, when a member of the accompanying delegation of President Nishani lost his life in a tragedy. The Macedonian President asked his Albanian counterpart to convey expressions of deep sympathy to the family of the victim.

Both presidents expressed satisfaction with the first meeting, assessing it as a successful, pledging jointly to work diligently to strengthen the relations between the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Albania and the common future within Europe.