Skopje, 13 June 2024 (MIA) - Caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi met Thursday with Albanian President Bajram Begaj, who is paying a visit to North Macedonia as part of the Summit of heads of state and government of the participants in the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP).

PM Xhaferi welcomed President Begaj, expressing satisfaction with the continuous political dialogue and development of bilateral relations between the two countries, which are friendly and fraternal, more than just good-neighborly relations. However, economic exchange with Albania is not reflective of this friendship, due to which interlocutors agreed that both current governments need to make this a priority, taking into account the expected election of the new government composition after the parliamentary elections, and the formation of a new Government in North Macedonia.

Xhaferi also stressed that it is important to continue with reforms to achieve the trajectory of both countries, who are already NATO allies, with the hope that the European integration process will be rounded off with success.

President Begaj  expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to meet with Xhaferi, whom he thanked for the commitment, professionalism, pride, and dignity with which he fulfilled the constitutional authority as caretaker PM, and which represents added value for him and North Macedonia, the Government said in a press release. According to him, "it is important to maintain and build on what is achieved in North Macedonia, in terms of the rights and responsibilities of communities." Begaj agreed with Xhaferi's statements that European integration is key for the prosperity, stability, and security in the region, and the Euro-Atlantic community in the region, adding that it is good that both counties are aligned with the EU regarding the Union's foreign and security policy.

Interlocutors agreed to continue to intensify and enrich cooperation in all areas of mutual interest for the benefit of the citizens from both countries. ssh/nn/

Photo and vide: Public relations sector

Secretary General