The agreement was signed in Skopje during discussions on the future of aviation in Southeast Europe, attended by Eurocontrol and representatives from countries across the region.

The CAA said rising air traffic and changing flight patterns driven by geopolitical developments required greater capacity, resilience and cooperation among regional countries.

For Albania, priorities include expanding airport and airspace capacity, modernising air traffic management and strengthening civil-military cooperation, the authority said.

The agreement with North Macedonia will facilitate the exchange of expertise, capacity-building and closer regional cooperation in aviation, the CAA said.

“In an increasingly interconnected system, aviation challenges do not end at national borders,” the authority said.

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In a statement published online, Rama addressed the involvement of some Albanians from North Macedonia in Albania’s domestic political debates, arguing that they should not be portrayed as members of Albania’s diaspora.

“Albanians in North Macedonia are not Albania’s diaspora on foreign soil. Together with Macedonians, they are a state-forming people in their own country, our neighbouring state,” Rama said.

He added that the term diaspora applies to emigrants living abroad, not to Albanians in North Macedonia or in Kosovo, which he described as an independent state.

Rama criticized what he called the political mobilization of supporters from Prishtina and Tetovo at opposition events in Tirana, saying such actions risk damaging the image of Albanians in North Macedonia and Kosovo.

He also accused the organizers of using national symbols for partisan purposes and said those backing such initiatives were undermining, rather than advancing, Albanian interests.

The Prime Minister further condemned the use of symbols associated with the former Kosovo Liberation Army in anti-government demonstrations.

“I will never forget the desecration of the KLA’s liberation flag by turning it into a banner of hatred aimed at toppling the government in Tirana,” Rama said. “It is a gift to those who do not recognize Kosovo and to those who have long questioned the Albanians’ ability to build and sustain a state.”

Rama’s remarks came amid ongoing political tensions and public debate over the participation of ethnic Albanians from neighbouring countries in Albania’s domestic political affairs.

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The event brought together representatives from national and local authorities, law enforcement, civil society and community actors from Albania and North Macedonia to exchange experiences and strengthen cross-border co-operation.

National Co-ordinators on CVE, Lejdi Dervishi (Albania) and Pavle Trajanov (North Macedonia), shared national priorities and insights on existing co-operation mechanisms, as well as challenges and opportunities for closer co-ordination.

Discussions emphasized the value of multi-agency and whole-of-society approaches, enhanced information-sharing and practical cross-border collaboration, particularly in addressing online radicalization and reintegration-related challenges.

Looking ahead, participants identified concrete priority areas for follow-up, including stronger co-ordination between national and local actors, continued exchange of good practices and joint initiatives to support prevention efforts and community resilience.

The event was part of OSCE efforts to promote safer and more resilient communities across the region.

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Responding in parliament to opposition MP Ina Zhupa, who called for a joint parliamentary statement, Hoxha said he had already made several public statements, including after meeting with the students’ representatives, and that the situation was being closely monitored.

“There is no disagreement on this issue,” he said.

Turning to the Diaspora Summit, Hoxha said the event had been an “undisputed success” and marked a more substantive approach to engagement with the Albanian diaspora.

He said the focus had shifted from what the diaspora could do for Albania to what could be achieved jointly.

“This is a step towards the next level,” he said, adding that Albania was seeking new mechanisms for closer engagement with its diaspora, which he described as a continuation of the country abroad.

Hoxha said discussions at the summit had included a broad range of topics, including identity, youth, economy, trade, agriculture, local development, sport and European integration.

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According to the President’s office, the agenda  of his visit includes meetings with North Macedonia’s top officials, including Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi, as well as Albanian political leaders in the country.

He is also scheduled to visit several municipalities led by ethnic Albanian mayors.

The Albanian head of state is due to address a special session of North Macedonia’s parliament.

The visit aims to further strengthen bilateral ties and advance the European Union integration of both countries, which are NATO members, as well as that of the wider Western Balkans region.

Albania considers North Macedonia a key partner and an important factor in preserving peace, security and inter-ethnic cohesion in the region.

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In a post on social media, Spiropali said dialogue remains the safest path to strengthening trust and democratic standards.

“I commend the students for their civic engagement and for the democratic manner in which they have articulated their request to use the Albanian language, in line with rights guaranteed by the constitution and existing legislation,” Spiropali said.

She also welcomed the willingness of North Macedonian institutions, particularly Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Deputy Prime Minister Arben Saliu, to address the issue seriously and in accordance with the country’s constitutional and legal framework.

“Dialogue, institutional solutions and respect for rights remain the most reliable way to strengthen trust and democratic standards,” Spiropali added.

In North Macedonia, 385 Albanian students from three law faculties – the University of Tetovo, South East European University and Mother Teresa University – have submitted a petition requesting that the jurisprudence exam be held in Albanian as well as in Macedonian.

The students argue that the request is guaranteed by law, noting that they complete their studies in Albanian and that Albanian is an official language in the country.

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Speaking at the presentation of a wind farm project in Tropojë, Balluku said Albania had made significant investments in expanding its transmission network and had now connected its power system with all neighbouring countries.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Tirana Nancy VanHorn.

Balluku said she expected North Macedonia to speed up work on its side of the interconnection so the line could be brought into operation as soon as possible, ensuring continuity along the so-called Corridor VIII energy route.

“Albania is today among the best-connected countries in the region in terms of power transmission, providing strong guarantees for foreign investors developing wind and solar projects, as they have assured access to the free energy market not only in the Balkans but also in Europe,” Balluku said.

She added that investments in transmission were not limited to strengthening the domestic grid but also aimed at creating new strategic links with Europe.

Balluku said work was also under way on plans for a subsea power cable connecting Albania directly with Italy, positioning the country as an important regional energy hub.

She said the energy sector had received strong international recognition and remained one of the most positively assessed areas in Albania’s EU integration process, citing the European Commission’s 2026 progress report.

Balluku added that investments also include studies of new technologies such as pumped-storage hydropower projects on the Drin cascade and at the Moglicë hydropower plant, which could increase Albania’s generation capacity by about 1,600 megawatts.

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During the meeting, Spiropali praised the contribution of the Albanian community to institutional stability and democratic development in North Macedonia, underlining the importance of political dialogue and inter-institutional cooperation.

Foreign Minister reaffirmed Albania’s support for constructive engagement and parliamentary diplomacy as key tools for strengthening bilateral relations and promoting the EU integration process in the region.

Spiropali also expressed Tirana’s expectation for the consistent implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, describing it as a benchmark for genuine equality, representation, and dignity.

During her visit, Spiropali also met in the Çair municipality with the Mayor and Chairman of the Democratic Movement, Izet Mexhiti, to discuss the role of Albanian political representation in sustainable development, inter-institutional cooperation, and advancing the European agenda.

She emphasized that strong local government, with real authority and functional decentralization, is essential for quality governance and for bringing European standards closer to citizens’ everyday lives.

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Meeting Albanian lawmakers of North Macedonia’s Assembly, Spiropali stressed the need for dialogue and cooperation across party lines, saying the shared interests of ethnic Albanians as a state-forming community and their European integration path should remain the priority.

Foreign Minister stated that despite differing political affiliations, greater cooperation and fewer divisions are essential for the future.

Spiropali also welcomed the increased representation of Albanian women in North Macedonia’s parliament, calling it a positive step for decision-making quality, stronger political dialogue and a more inclusive society.

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Speaking at a joint press conference following the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit in Tirana – alongside Albanian President Bajram Begaj and the President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova – Radev emphasized that EU integration challenges in the Western Balkans should not be mischaracterized as bilateral disputes.

“We are not talking about vetoes or blocked processes, nor unresolved bilateral relations,” Radev said. “These are internal challenges that pertain to meeting fundamental EU criteria, particularly those related to human rights and the rule of law.”

He reiterated Bulgaria’s strong support for North Macedonia’s European path. “I want to assure you that Bulgaria is one of the closest and most committed partners, willing to help accelerate your path by meeting the Copenhagen criteria. That’s the foundation of true friendship.”

Radev also highlighted the strategic importance of Corridor VIII, a major infrastructure project linking Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. “Corridor VIII is not just a transport route – it is a corridor of friendship, cooperation, and regional development. We must do everything to see it completed swiftly.”

As Bulgaria assumes the rotating SEECP Chairmanship, Radev pledged to prioritize concrete, results-oriented cooperation aimed at accelerating EU integration, boosting economic competitiveness, and enhancing energy security across the region.

“Results-driven cooperation is the key to transforming our region into one of security, stability, and progress,” he concluded.

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