During the visit in Brussels, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, Fatmir Besimi PhD addressed at the conference "Balkan Partnerships - Strengthening the region's ties" organised by the think tank organisation Friends of Europe. The Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Mr. Johannes Hahn also participated at the Conference.

Deputy Prime Minister Besimi and Commissioner Hahn addressed at the first panel dedicated to the challenges that arise from the dealing with the migrant crisis. Therefore, Besimi stressed the need to establish a mechanism through which the cooperation between the Western Balkans and the EU institutions will further strengthen.

"We must stick together at a time of crisis. The cooperation between the Balkan countries and the European Union is mandatory"- said Besimi addressing the activities undertaken in the country to cope with the migrants flow and their humane treatment.
In his speech Commissioner Hahn emphasised that we should have a better understanding of our various cultural differences and the different practices among Member States.

During the day, Deputy Prime Minister Besimi will have a meeting with Commissioner Hahn and MEP and Rapporteur for Macedonia in the European Parliament Ivo Vajgl.