News
11/1/2018 16:23
Deputy Prime Minister in
charge of European Affairs, Bujar Osmani, in the framework of his working visit
to Greece, met with the Alternative Minister for Foreign and European Affairs,
Jorgos Katruhalos.
The main topic of the meeting
was the political development in the two countries following the decision of
the Assembly to open the constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, in order to
fulfil the obligations arising from the Prespa Agreement.
"We have a number of
projects related to the Confidence building measures, but also in general in
the direction of improving the communication and cooperation between the two
countries, and whose implementation, according to the progress in political
relations, should be implemented in accelerated pace," Osmani stressed at
the meeting, pointing it as one of the more important initiatives of the EU
Commissioner Hahn for trilateral cooperation between Macedonia, Greece and
Albania for the sustainable development of the wider Prespa region, which
besides the protection of the beautiful Prespa Lake, it also provides mutual
border crossings around the lake, as well as projects for local economic
development.
"Apart from the benefits
for the local population, the success of this project has a wider symbolic
meaning, because Prespa is already a symbol of reconciliation between the two
countries, the success in overcoming the long-standing dispute, as well as a
symbol of mutual cooperation and progress," Osmani said. Furthermore,
Osmani mentioned other potential projects in the direction of improving the
communication between the two countries. He pointed out the modernisation of
the Bitola Kremenica railway line, as a key railway connection between Skopje
and Thessaloniki, which is, in turn, the most important trade approach of the
business to the Thessaloniki port, as well as the gas interconnection between
the two countries, which he indicated that Macedonia has already applied for
grant through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, where Greece is also a
donor.
"Of course, the most
important thing for us is the cooperation that we expect to achieve for success
in our European integration. The success of the Prespa Agreement puts Greece in
the rank of countries - friends whose support for our European integrations
within the Union is noticeable," Osmani stressed, announcing the joint
project between the two ministries for creating of the so-called "EU Task
Force" working group for exchange of experiences in the process of
European integration, the started screening process, the upcoming negotiation
process, but also the process of communication with the European administration
and the successful utilization of IPA funds.
After the meeting, Osmani and
Katrugalos headed to the Athens airport for a symbolic solemn sending, where
Osmani would use the first flight for over ten years between Athens and Skopje
to return back home.