Regional cooperation is an important catalyst for reconciliation in the region and good neighborly relations. The region has achieved significant progress in that regard. There’s an inflation of regional initiatives, but results differ from the size of investments. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t underestimate the results of enhanced cooperation, which is just what the region needs, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani told the first Skopje Economic Forum on Wednesday.
He announced that next week North Macedonia will host a new initiative for connecting Western Balkan leaders. In the past month alone, he added, there was the summit of WB leaders in the Brdo-Brijuni Process and the Tirana Summit, while next week the Prespa Summit is scheduled to take place in Ohrid.
“Someone said that 50% of problems in the EU are resolved when leaders meet and I think that’s an important precondition for regional cooperation in a region that was warring 30 years ago. I’d like to announce that we’re launching a new initiative for Western Balkan foreign ministers, aiming to hold regular formal and informal meetings, so that we can improve personal and bilateral communication. The first meeting will be held in North Macedonia next week,” Osmani said.
In regard to WB-EU relations, he noted that the situation is clear, adding that the region is an island surrounded by EU member states and 2/3 of its economy is connected with that of the European Union.
“So, the region has no alternative to integration into the EU common market. The question is: has EU opened its gates to us? I think not yet, because our market is fragmented with administrative obstacles that diminish the region’s potential. Therefore, its crucial we reach our potential, defragment the economy and deliver on what was agreed in Sofia within the Berlin Process,” the FM added.
Moreover, he underlined infrastructural issues in the region.
“Mountains impact regional cooperation. Therefore we have to invest in improving infrastructure, reach our full investment potential and join the EU,” Osmani told the event.
When it comes to the region’s stability and integration, he stressed, the US is a crucial partner not just of North Macedonia, but the other countries as well.
“As strategic partners since 2008, we intend to renew and expand partnership as NATO allies,” the Foreign Minister said.
Albanian Finance Minister Anila Denaj stressed at the event the importance of the post-pandemic Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. Despite challenges, Albania continues to ensure the stability of the market, which has had a positive effect in 2021.
“We definitely have a plan, the 2021-2024 Action Plan, according to which all countries in the region should contribute to the economy and EU accession. That’s why stability in all sectors, and especially in economy, is crucial,” Denaj said.
Several panel discussions, dedicated to stability and cooperation in the region, North Macedonia’s post-pandemic economic development, foreign investments and EU promises, will take place Wednesday as part of the Skopje Economic Forum.
The forum was opened by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. Other speakers include: Albanian PM Edi Rama, EU Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, Deputy PM for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov, Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi, several minister, National Bank Governor Anita Angelovska Bezhovska, Ambassadors of the US, UK, Germany, Greece and Poland in North Macedonia, the heads of the World Bank and EBRD offices in North Macedonia, Macedonian businessmen, university professors, journalists and guests from Slovenia, Serbia, etc.
The event is organized by the Delphi Economic Forum and the Hellenic Business Association in North Macedonia.
The Skopje Economic Forum aims to develop into a high-level meeting of the most influential local and international political, corporate, and intellectual leaders to address pressing challenges facing North Macedonia and the region.
