TIRANA, Feb 27 /ATA/ – President Bajram Begaj on Friday described the Ohrid Framework Agreement as a cornerstone of constitutional order and inter-ethnic coexistence in North Macedonia, during a special session of parliament in Skopje.
In his address, Begaj said relations between Albania and North Macedonia represent “an important pillar of stability in the Western Balkans,” built on mutual respect, partnership and a shared European vision.
“Our stability is shared,” he said, noting that the two countries have deepened cooperation in ways that have had a positive impact on the wider region and reinforced its Euro-Atlantic orientation.
Begaj stressed that North Macedonia remains a key factor in preserving peace, security and inter-ethnic cohesion, while underlining the joint commitment of both countries to European Union membership. The EU, he said, is “not only a destination, but a standard.”
He called for increased investment in energy and infrastructure interconnection, renewable energy, technology and cross-border tourism, as well as closer cooperation between chambers of commerce, businesses and academic institutions.
Referring to Corridor VIII, a major regional transport project linking the Adriatic and the Black Sea, Begaj said it exemplifies how development and security intersect, describing it as a strategic project for regional integration and Euro-Atlantic security.
The Albanian head of state also highlighted the importance of inter-ethnic coexistence in North Macedonia. Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to the principles of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, which marks its 25th anniversary this year.
“The Ohrid Agreement proved that dialogue can overcome even the deepest crisis, and that equality does not weaken the state, but strengthens it,” he said, calling it a historic achievement.
Begaj underlined that fair and adequate representation of ethnic Albanians in state institutions, full implementation of the law on the use of the Albanian language and the preservation of equality mechanisms are “not technical issues,” but essential for social cohesion, institutional stability and the country’s European perspective.
“The Albanian factor in North Macedonia has been and remains state-building, cooperative, inclusive and democratic,” he said, adding that the country’s multi-ethnic character can function only when all citizens are equally represented before the law.
Begaj is on an official visit to North Macedonia at the invitation of President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
According to the President’s office, his agenda includes meetings with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi, ethnic Albanian political leaders and visits to several municipalities led by ethnic Albanian mayors.
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