Wednesday, 23 March 2011
MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA, MR. TRAJKO VELJANOSKI AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO, MR. BEHGJET PACOLLI
The relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Kosovo are very good and progressing- this was underlined at the meeting of the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski and the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Behgjet Pacolli.
Underlining that the good neighbourly relations are one of the priorities of the foreign policy of the Republic of Macedonia, the President of the Assembly, Mr. Veljanoski underlined that these relations benefit both countries and in the same time strengthen the stability of the whole region and its Euro-Atlantic future.
Considering the important role of the parliaments in the EU and NATO integration processes, the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia is prepared to share all its experience with the colleagues from the Parliament of Kosovo and to assist the accomplishment of Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic agenda.
The President Veljanoski referred to the situation of the Gorani people, ethnic Macedonians with Islamic religion.
I expect that on the census of the population in Kosovo, respecting the European Standards, these people will express their ethnic belonging freely- underlined Mr. Veljanoski.
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Behgjet Pacolli, expressed pleasure from the visit of the Republic of Macedonia and stated that the people of Kosovo see the Republic of Macedonia as their sincere friend.
We will never forget that the Republic of Macedonia received over 300 000 refugees and that was sincerely a noble act. It is important that, as neighbours, we have mutual respect and we discuss our future, and that is the Euro- Atlantic integration. This is why we appreciate the assistance from your side in the accomplishment of our determination and I sincerely appreciate you preparedness to share your experience with the Parliament of the Republic of Kosovo and this will certainly be a benefit for us, stated Mr. Pacolli.
He underlined that he personally knows and appreciates Gorani people and that the consensus will be strictly in accordance with the European standards, which means that the citizens will be able to express their national belonging freely.