The Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia in charge of European Affairs, Fatmir Besimi, PhD, today, pays a one-day working visit to Tirana, Republic of Albania, where he will participate in the Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the countries that are members of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) and the Annual Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC). Both the initiatives are aimed at strengthening the Euro-Atlantic perspective of the region of Southeast Europe and ensuring lasting peace and development.

The purpose of the Cooperation Process of SEE is strengthening the political, security, economic cooperation and intensifying the cooperation between the countries of the region in the area of democracy, judiciary, human rights and the fight against illegal activities.

By strengthening the good neighborly relations and ensuring peace in the region, the SEECP aims at enabling faster joining of the countries to the EU and NATO.

The Ministerial meetings are the main forum for consultation, giving direction to cooperation, as well as promotion of the objectives of the Process of Cooperation in Southeast Europe.

The meeting will serve as a platform for exchange of views on the current situation in the region and the level of cooperation in Southeast Europe. The report on the implemented activities according to the planned priorities of the Albanian presidency of SEECP will be put on the agenda.

Within the Annual Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council, the annual work programme for the upcoming period was adopted in order to strengthen the regional cooperation and neighborly relations, including initiatives for specific regional projects.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister Besimi met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Ditmir Bushati.

The current political situation and the challenges faced by the Republic of Macedonia were discussed, as well as the efforts made by the initiated policy dialogue. The importance of continuous cooperation and support between the two countries was emphasized in view of fulfilling the European standards and membership in the European Union as soon as possible, thus contributing to a better future, peace, stability, economic development and prosperity in both countries and the region.