Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani and his Lithuanian counterpart Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis at a meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania, confirmed the two countries’ shared European values and commitment to building bridges of friendship and cooperation while also looking for solutions to common challenges, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, transmits MIA.

At the meeting, the two top diplomats said the political dialogue between North Macedonia and Lithuania was dynamic and led to closer ties as a result of this year’s two bilateral visits to Skopje and Vilnius.

According to the release, Minister Osmani thanked Lithuania on its consistent and clear support for North Macedonia’s European integration as well as for advocating for stability and democracy in the Western Balkans and their accession to the European Union as soon as possible.

“The fact that Lithuania is part of the group of friends of the enlargement is very important and encouraging for North Macedonia,” Osmani stressed.

The foreign minister shared information on the ongoing screening process as a key stage in the country’s accession negotiations with the EU. He also highlighted the need of closer cooperation between the EU and NATO in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“The new dynamic of geopolitical developments, as a result of the war in Ukraine, has imposed a strong need for unity and closer cooperation between the Union and the Alliance,” Osmani said.

“Strengthening the Eastern wing of the Alliance, and our unity as allies in terms of deterrence and defense of every inch of NATO member states’ territory, contributes to the global, regional and each country’s individual security,” he added.

Minister Landsbergis said Lithuania would continue strongly supporting North Macedonia, pointing out that EU integration was a strong impetus to reforms encouraging change for the better, prosperity, and stability. Speaking about developments in the Baltic states and the security risks caused by the Russian war in Ukraine, Landsbergis reaffirmed the need for solidarity in support of Ukrainian citizens fighting for freedom.

He said North Macedonia’s full alignment the EU’s common security policy and sanctions against Russia was highly appreciated by official Vilnius, as a step that confirmed our unity and solidarity, the MFA release says.

The two foreign ministers exchanged opinions on the current situation in the Western Balkans and the urgent need for dialogue and mutual respect in finding acceptable solutions to open issues.

Minister Osmani also spoke about North Macedonia’s 2023 OSCE chairpersonship, expressing hope for close cooperation and support from friendly Lithuania. Osmani’s return visit to Lithuania, which is part of his regional tour of the Baltic countries, was at the invitation of Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis, who is also the host of the Second Future of Democracy Forum being held in Vilnius.