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The United States and Northern Macedonia held a Strategic Dialogue in Washington for the first time on Thursday, focusing on deepening bilateral partnership.
In an interview with VOA after the dialogue and a meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Foreign Minister of Northern Macedonia Bujar Osmani said that in the face of the challenges facing the Western Balkans, including Russia’s malevolent influence, dialogue and engagement American, are important.
During the dialogue, the United States stressed the importance of rapidly advancing the EU membership process for Northern Macedonia and Albania, and Mr Osmani said Skopje was working to overcome Bulgaria ‘s stalemate. In an interview with counterpart Keida Kostreci, the chief diplomat of Northern Macedonia said the region needs a clear message from the EU.
Voice of America: Mr. Osmani, what was discussed at the meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department?
Bujar Osmani: It was an important meeting in which I first thanked them for the opportunity for Northern Macedonia to be the first country in the Western Balkans to initiate a Strategic Dialogue with the United States of America, which increases the level of strategic cooperation between the two countries. But of course I also thank you for the strong support that the Western Balkans and Northern Macedonia have had all these years, but also to emphasize that the Western Balkans, the region is at a critical moment, or at a crossroads in which it will then be determined way further. It is very important that we have a joint effort and a stronger American presence to preserve these achievements of the region, which are extraordinary in the last 30 years, but which have been the result of great political investment by the United States. of America. And therefore we must preserve those achievements and build on them and not allow the new geopolitical situation in the region, but also the open issues within and the negative dynamics that we unfortunately have recently, to influence that to jeopardize all these achievements of recent years.
Voice of America: Specifically what were some of the conclusions of the Strategic Dialogue?
Bujar Osmani: The idea of the Strategic Dialogue was to frame the already excellent cooperation to date between the United States of America and Northern Macedonia. We identified the topics we have prioritized for this year, focusing on general political dialogue, support for reforms in Northern Macedonia in general, defense cooperation, focus on trade exchange, diversification of energy sources and cyber defense, and which has now emerged as a great need for the region and Northern Macedonia. Let me not forget here the cooperation and contacts between people, between citizens, through cultural and educational programs, but all this put in a framework which can then be more easily followed. The idea is to have a Strategic Dialogue of this level every year, led by the State Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the governments, and we will be able to make a cut about what has been done this year and what the priorities will be for next year. next.
Voice of America: Northern Macedonia has followed the European Union line on sanctions against Russia. However the region is in a difficult situation in terms of Russian influence. What is the main concern in this regard?
Bujar Osmani: The position of Northern Macedonia has been unequivocal in terms of condemning the Russian aggression in Ukraine, but also in solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. We have joined all the sanctions, thus achieving 100 percent harmonization of foreign policy with the foreign policy of the European Union, but of course also helping Ukraine in various ways. I said before: the Russian presence has been malignant in the Western Balkans, of course with different intensity in different countries, but it has been present. As it has been and is in Northern Macedonia. Therefore, what is important, and is part of this Strategic Dialogue, is to strengthen the resistance of institutions to oppose, or confront these attempts for hybrid influences, both in our society and in the region in generally.
Voice of America: You just mentioned the help that your country is giving to Ukraine. Specifically, what assistance is Northern Macedonia providing?
Bujar Osmani: The assistance has been of all kinds, from political assistance, through the sponsorship of various resolutions in international organizations, through humanitarian aid, to military aid. But of course we have opened our borders for Ukrainian refugees, at the moment we have about 1 thousand of them in Northern Macedonia, but we are ready to accept anyone who will end up at our border, giving the best possible treatment. Ukraine today is not only fighting for itself, it is fighting for the world order, it is fighting for the values that we together promote as a Euro-Atlantic world.
Voice of America: The process of membership of the European Union of Northern Macedonia has stalled due to the obstacles of Bulgaria. What are your hopes for the June summit? Do you think it will be unlocked? And what happens if Bulgaria does not change its position at this summit?
Bujar Osmani: We are certainly making efforts to be successful in this cycle of the French presidency. We recall that it is very important to have progress during this presidency, due to various developments and dynamics, both regional and domestic in Northern Macedonia. We have constant communication with the Bulgarian government. I hope in the coming days we will have an intensification of those meetings to find a solution which will be dignified for both parties and which will enable a constructive approach of both governments in improving interstate relations, but of course also hope in the efforts of the French presidency. Today we also talked with the American government about these attitudes and with all the countries of the European Union. I remember the need for strategic leadership of the European Union. The Western Balkans need unequivocal messages about the European future because we are part of a system that is facing common challenges. We do not have time to deal with each other, to lose energy in interstate disputes, but we must focus on maintaining stability, security on our continent and facing the challenges that we will certainly have in the coming years.
Voice of America: What happens if these obstacles are not overcome, given that the process of Northern Macedonia is also related to that of Albania?
Bujar Osmani: I believe that together we will be able to start talks. I remember that Albania’s position has been very correct, not to put pressure on separation from the package. It is absolutely a right of Albania. This is a process which is based on the individual meritocracy of each state separately. But I remember that the cooperation and synergy which is created by the common path of both countries, will help each other in creating a regional dynamic, in terms of European integration.
Voice of America: What is the situation with the post of Ambassador of Northern Macedonia here in Washington that has so far been difficult to fill?
Bujar Osmani: We have appointed the ambassador, the government has made the decision, we are now waiting for the formalization of the procedures in order for him to come here to the United States very soon to start the task.
Voice of America: Another question about domestic policy, regarding the position of DUI. The opposition has expressed dissatisfaction and called for early elections. What does the DUI predict that will happen and what attitude will it take towards the dissatisfaction expressed by the opposition, which has said that it will pass until the protests?
Bujar Osmani: For two days, the DUI celebrates the 20th anniversary of its founding, 20 years of constructive policy which has maintained the country’s Euro-Atlantic course, a policy which has created a functioning state, a functioning multi-ethnic democracy unmatched in the region, and which has made citizens feel equal and integrated in the institutions of the system. We have the strength, potential, experience and opportunities to continue this integration, to continue this Euro-Atlantic course./VOA
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