Macedonia supports a decision between Belgrade and Pristina

 

 The President of the Republic of Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski was represented by his Kosovo counterpart Vyosa Osmani on Wednesday in Ibrahim Rugova Square in Pristina with an official ceremony with state and military honors, Nova Makedonija reports.

During the official visit, the two leaders held a face-to-face meeting, a plenary meeting of the Macedonia and Kosovo delegations was held, followed by a joint press conference.

 Macedonia and the Republic of Kosovo, as direct neighbors, are naturally focused on co-operation. This fact is recognized by all political factors in both countries, and during the talks I emphasized my readiness to intensify the dialogue at the highest political level. Northern Macedonia and Kosovo are also important trading partners. The first joint meeting of the two countries' governments was recently held in Skopje, at which 11 bilateral agreements were signed. "I expect their implementation to mean improving economic ties and concrete benefits in the interest of our citizens," Pendarovski said.

 Macedonia supports Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and in this context we are available to share our experience, both on the road to the EU and in the aspirations for NATO integration. Membership in these two organizations means further stabilization and prosperity for the region. We also talked with the President of Kosovo about the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue. We are all aware that this is a very difficult and complex process, but I believe that all people of good will in the region and beyond will support the resolution of the dispute, which will ultimately mean the irreversible pacification of the region. On this occasion, allow me to reaffirm our position, which is that Northern Macedonia supports a mutually acceptable solution between Belgrade and Pristina, which has the potential to contribute to regional stability and which will not jeopardize the security of neighboring countries. In this regard, we welcome the agreement reached on the de-escalation of tensions in northern Kosovo, reached through the mediation of the European Union, "said the President.

 During a visit to Pristina on Wednesday, Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski spoke with Kosovo President Vyosa Osmani on "expanding the rights of ethnic Macedonians living in Kosovo". He said this at the press conference after the official meetings.

 "Last but not least. "We talked (with Osmani) about expanding the rights of ethnic Macedonians living in Kosovo," Pendarovski said. The possibilities for rapprochement of the citizens of the two countries, cross-border cooperation and opening of new border crossings were discussed.