Three documents were signed after a joint meeting between the governments of the Republic of North Macedonia and Kosovo, which took place on Monday in Pristina. The two prime ministers – Hristijan Mickoski of North Macedonia and Albin Kurti of Kosovo announced the signing at a press conference after the meeting.
The first document is a memorandum on energy, mining and mineral resources, which includes cooperation initiatives and infrastructure projects for gas interconnections. Among the other project initiatives it encompasses initiating cooperation to explore the possibility of developing a new direct gas link between the two countries.
The second document includes information on the conclusion of a protocol between the two governments on the implementation of the Joint Border Crossing Points Treaty, which regulates the way of checks and customs controls, the infrastructure of the common border crossing points and the interconnection of border management systems.
The third document is a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the Ministries of Education and Science of North Macedonia and the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of Kosovo, in which the parties agree to work together to improve the quality of vocational education and training.
Both Kurti and Mickoski described the meeting in Pristina as productive and an event, at which “a wide range of issues” were discussed, with concrete steps agreed upon to advance transport and energy links.
“We also discussed the importance of Euro-Atlantic integration, our common commitment to European values and standards”, Mickoski added, expressing his conviction that the future of the Western Balkans lies in the European Union and NATO, and that with common efforts “we can overcome the challenges, ensure prosperity and stability for our citizens”. He elaborated that the Balkans have been a place, which filled the “black chronicles of the European and world public” and that the Balkan countries should build upon the aspects that unite them and that are worth working for together.
Albin Kurti pointed out that the trade between the two countries has increased in recent years, reaching over EUR 432 million in 2023, and he expects that in 2025 the economic cooperation between the two countries will reach half a billion euros.
Macedonian Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, thanked Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, for today’s reception and for their previous friendly meetings.
He expressed hope that the positive energy from today’s meeting and the good atmosphere would serve as a boost for even better relations, which are already excellent.
“We are aware of the regional challenges and pressures. If we work together, we are stronger. Unity is what should make neighbors stronger,” Mickoski said.
He added that the links between the two countries are not just state-to-state but also familial, and that these should further strengthen cooperation in the coming years.
This year, Mickoski stated that economic cooperation will exceed half a billion euros in trade between the two countries.
“In the years to come, we will work to make economic cooperation even greater,” he said, noting that Kosovo and North Macedonia now have a combined market of 17-18 million people.
Mickoski announced that today energy agreements and agreements on border crossings will be signed.
While the prime minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, in his speech said that North Macedonia and Kosovo do not have any disagreements.
“The Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of North Macedonia have no disagreements, we have open communication and extensive cooperation. We are neighbors, friends and partners connected not only through trade but also through the ties between our families and businesses that are getting stronger and stronger,” said Kurti.
/Argumentum.al
