Monday, 27 November 2017, Stockholm
Meeting of the President Xhaferi and the Assembly Delegation with the Lord Mayor of Stockholm, Ms. Eva-Louise Erlandsson Slorach
In the framework of the Official visit to the Kingdom of Sweden, the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Talat Xhaferi and the Delegation comprised of the MPs: Frosina Tashevska Remenski, Ejup Alimi and Fadil Zendeli visited the City Hall of Stockholm where the Lord Mayor of Stockholm presented the work and the functioning the City Council of Stockholm.
This city lives through a true renaissance in regard with the sustainability, urban living, respect of cultural diversities and protection of the environment.
During the meeting, the Delegation was informed on the Vision for the City of Stockholm 2040 Project, conceptualized on the pillars of the modern living and welfare for all citizens of Stockholm, through outmost respect of the strict and high environmental standards.
The President of the Assembly, Mr. Xhaferi expressed appreciation for the continuous and strong support by the Kingdom of Sweden to the Republic of Macedonia on the path to the European integration of the state and underlined that the Government and the Assembly are dedicated to the reform priorities and strengthening the cooperation with the neighbours. The President expressed the expectation that next year we expect to receive and condition less recommendation from the European Union for opening accession negotiation, as well as membership in NATO.
Ms. Erlandsson Slorach informed that Stockholm is the fastest growing city and the greenest city in Europe, with 1 million citizens, and this number grows for new 20000 citizens annually. Last year they received 4000 migrants, out of which 400 were unaccompanied minors.
Referring to the migrant crisis that influenced the whole European continent, Mr. Xhaferi underlined that the Republic of Macedonia, as a non – EU Member State, was part of the migrant route and invested maximum efforts, closely cooperation with Frontex and EU Member States, managed to surpass the migrant flow.
The interlocutors shared views for closer cooperation between Skopje and Stockholm, as well as expectation that many cities of the Republic of Macedonia will become full – fledged members of the Network of European cities - Eurocities.