Confidence building measures between Macedonia and Greece, Macedonian-Greek economic cooperation and the name dispute were the focus of talks between Foreign Minister Nikos Kodzias and Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Fatmir Besimi in Athens. Kodzias stated that he had an open and honest conversation with Besimi and expressed strong determination the confidence building measures between Skopje and Athens to be adopted as soon as possible.
As Kodzias said after today’s meeting at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Greece is determined to adopt measures which would help to strengthen and improve trust between the two sides as soon as possible. He announced that, in the coming days, a senior official of Greek ministry will go to Skopje to discuss further measures with representatives of the Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and then that the conversation will continue during his visit to Skopje in June. Greek foreign minister explained that he and Minister Nikola Popovski already have exchanged proposals and catalogs and that two parallel lists are already formed and that the political directors of both ministries will sit together to start to negotiate the details about the measures.
– I hope that we will announce the catalog with measures in Skopje, where there will be a discussion among the political directors of both ministries before my visit. I would rush if I would announce the measures now because we have to previously agree to them. Although there are common items of each of the lists, explanations are required from the one and the other side in order for us to understand what each of us thinks in the common items – Kodzias noted, without giving detailed measures that are being discussed, but with optimism that if talks go in the right direction, they may agree for them to be published in late June, when he would be on meetings in Skopje. European assistance and support was already requested for the measures. Athens has requested the Commission and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn to investigate possibilities for financing the measures that would be adopted between the two countries.
– Your ideas are welcome, and your initiative to visit our country and other countries of the region. How the outstanding issues would be settled without conversation. Therefore, I appreciate your initiative and hope that you will be warmly welcomed in Skopje – Besimi noted on the proposal for the exchange of confidence building measures.
At the tete-a-tete meeting, Kodzias expressed support for the negotiations on the political crisis in Macedonia between the representatives of political parties and Commissioner Johannes Hahn.
– We always tell our European partners that realistic and rational voices as Besimi’s should be listened carefully in Europe – added Kodzias.
The two ministers discussed the negotiations in the name dispute. Deputy Prime Minister noted that in the discussion of the open issues between Macedonia and Greece was established by both sides that there is a possibility for a solution that can be achieved through cooperation, good neighborly relations and coexistence in the same Euro-Atlantic community.
The situation in the Western Balkans and how we can ensure and enhance regional stability was also a topic of discussion. Besimi emphasized that it was discussed on practical ways to ensure peace, stability, and European democratic values, the rule of law, freedom of movement and freedom of speech on the Balkans.
Besimi indirectly pointed out the need for faster integration of Macedonia in the EU, pointing out that he and Kodzias discussed the EU integration of the Western Balkans as a step that can ensure peace and stability in the region.
He said that his visit helps build more confidence not only on a personal level, but also at the level of the two communities and the level of improvement of good neighborly relations. Besimi and Kodzias noted that the meeting was in a friendly environment and will help to build confidence and strengthen communication for better cooperation between the two countries.
The two ministers also discussed the possibility of greater economic and civil cooperation between the two countries, agreeing that confidence building measures will pave the road to greater cooperation and understanding.
