NORTH MACEDONIA

Albania recognized the independence and sovereignty of North Macedonia on April 26, 1993 and on December 24, 1993, established diplomatic relations with this country. After that, it was followed by signing bilateral agreements for the promotion of cooperation relations in all fields, with mutual interest.

The joint commitment of the governments of our two countries to European and Euro-Atlantic values, the respect of human rights and freedoms for all, including minority communities, as well as to the implementation of international criteria and standards in the development of relations between sovereign states has given the cooperation between the Republic of Albania and North Macedonia the necessary basis for stability and long-term perspective.

In this context, Albania has seen and sees relations with North Macedonia as a priority and estimates that they are at a very good level. In the spirit of good neighborly relations and mutual cooperation with Macedonia and with the conviction that the stability of this neighboring country is important for security and stability in the region, Albania has maintained a clear and consistent position in support of its sovereignty and integrity.

The Macedonian minority in Albania enjoys full rights from the Law on Minorities like any minority living within the Albanian territory, and is seen as an important bridge of cooperation between the two countries.

Relationships between Albania and Macedonia have a particular characteristic compared to the relations between our country and many other countries. This is, first of all, explained by the fact that an Albanian population lives in Macedonia, which, as regards the number and share it has in relation to the total population of Macedonia, is a state-constituent element. In addition to this highly important fact, it should be taken into account that Albania and Macedonia share a long (land and water) border line.

Our messages to the Albanian factor in North Macedonia continuously encourage cooperation, integration, commitment and institutional action. Albania is convinced that the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement is a key element for the stability of Macedonia and its European future. In this direction, she has given the message that all political forces in North Macedonia, Albanian and Macedonian, contribute constructively and cooperate closely for the timely and complete realization of this agreement.

We have strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation interests with North Macedonia, not only as neighboring countries, but also as candidates for membership in the European Union.

Economic cooperation: The strengthening of economic cooperation, the increase of trade exchanges, the cross-border and regional projects, the facilitation of the circulation of people and goods between the two countries, the development of projects within Corridor VIII, are only some parts of the interaction between the two governments. This cooperation is realized between mechanisms such as: G2G, trilateral and quadrilateral meetings, bilateral visits, business and B2B forums, development conferences, cross-border projects, or projects within the EU, etc.

Trade links have expanded and the volume of trade has increased, despite the fact that we still need to further intensify the commercial, touristic, educational and cultural exchanges.