Topi with Kosovo, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonian counterparts in Ohrid

OHRID, July 12 – President Bamir Topi joined host, his Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonian (FYROM) counterpart Georgi Ivanov and Kosovo’s Fatmir Sejdiu at the lake city of Ohrid to discuss regional cooperation
Their countries’ commitment to the Euro-Atlantic integration and setting diplomatic ties between Skopje and Prishtina were among other topics discussed in the informal meeting that followed last month’s in the Albanian port city of Vlora.
That was Sejdiu’s first visit to neighboring (FYROM) since Ivanov became president in May. At a previous opportunity he cancled the trip after he learnt he would not be offered the formal protocal welcome he felt his position deserved.
FYROM has recognized Kosovo but has still to decide on sending or opening an embassy there.
That was one of the topics discused between the two presidents.
Sejdiu said they would continue the regular summits in the region that show their will to go ahead with the integration processes into NATO and the European Union.
Albania is already a NATO member while FYROM is a step ahead of Tirana in the EU itnetgration process. Kosovo has reached none of those goals. A year after its indepepedence it has managed to become a World Bank and IMF member and also be recognized by 62 countries.
Topi hoped that the same meeting could soon be held in Prishtina as well. “We have entered totally positive trends in the region and the leadership of our countries’ keeps regular contacts in the service of peace, dialogue and security in the region and to the service of our joint dream of getting integrated into Europe.”
The three leaders urged their governments and also their people to increase their contacts and exchange in all fields.