Monday, 27 November 2017, Stockholm
Meeting of the President Xhaferi and the Assembly Delegation with Ms. Margot Wallström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden
Today, in the framework of the Official Visit, the President Xhaferi met the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden, Ms. Margot Wallström. The President Xhaferi welcomed the recent signing of the Declaration for Cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Kingdom of Sweden, which reaffirms the support of our strategic priorities and defines the precise areas of mutual interest in bilateral and multilateral level. Also, Mr. Xhaferi expressed appreciation for adoption of the Decision of the Government of Sweden for the revision of the Strategy for Assistance of the Western Balkan States (SIDA), which will additionally motivate the democratization of many areas of state and wider social interest.
The President of the Assembly expressed appreciation for the support of the enlargement policy of EU in a wider framework of security, stability, democracy and rule of law on Europe, underlining that our aim is to deliver concrete results in the implementation of the reforms, thus expecting the European Union to remove the conditionality from the Recommendation of the Progress report and to provide a date on opening accession negotiations.
Ms. Wallström informed Mr. Xhaferi that the Kingdom of Sweden closely and carefully follows the development in the Republic of Macedonia, especially the unpleasant events in the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia and recognized the successful execution of the local elections, which demonstrated that the Republic of Macedonia is prepared for stabilization and democratization of the state. She also stated the efforts of the Kingdom of Sweden as well as all EU Member States to continue the strong support for the reform processes pursuant to the ambitious Government Plan 3 – 6 – 9 and acknowledged the preparedness of the state to implement the reforms on the principles of inclusiveness and partnership on all political and social entities.
The interlocutors shared views on the current migrant crisis, the importance of the regional cooperation which motivates and inspires the cooperation in many areas and has a significant role in the stabilization of the Region, while the Republic of Macedonia is actively involved on all levels. The importance of cherishing and promotion of the good neighbourly relations, as a strategic goal was underlined, as well as building a new spirit in the relations, open dialogue to handle the open issues, building bridges on the basis of mutual trust and respect.
At the meeting, Mr. Xhaferi congratulated Ms. Wallström on the award on gender equality prized by UN Women, for her dedication and achievements in the fight for gender equality.