Thursday, 17 September 2020
MEETING BETWEEN PRESIDENT XHAFERI AND Н.Е. CARLO ROMEO
Today, the President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, Talat Xhaferi, received the Ambassador of Italy to the Republic of North Macedonia, H.E. Carlo Romeo at a farewell meeting.
President Xhaferi emphasized the exceptional bilateral relations between the Republic of North Macedonia and Italy and especially praised the strong, sincere and friendly support that Italy has provided to the Republic of North Macedonia in obtaining a date for negotiations with the European Union. Undoubtedly important is the Italian support to the country in the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, while in terms of NATO and the accession process, and now as allies, we note important and constructive cooperation, especially in SEEBRIG and the Italian-led UNIFIL Mission. The President briefed the Ambassador on the forthcoming working activities of the Assembly, such as the consideration of several legal amendments imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, then the activities related to the European agenda and the opening of the first chapters at the end of this year. In addition, he informed him about achieving functionality of the Assembly by establishing delegations for multilateral cooperation and groups for bilateral cooperation. This will enable to continue with the announced visits from both sides, which were interrupted due to the pandemic, and will show the commitment in maintaining continuous and intensive cooperation.
Ambassador Romeo congratulated President Xhaferi on his re-election, welcomed the formation of the Government and the functioning of the Assembly and expressed the expectation that, in the forthcoming period, the Republic of North Macedonia, like all other countries, will work to strengthen its economy and ensure adequate health protection of the population from COVID-19. Intensified work of state institutions on the European agenda is expected, with delivered reforms to which the European Union attaches great importance in anticipation of the opening of the first chapters, especially the reforms in the fight against corruption, the judicial reforms and the rule of law.
The interlocutors also exchanged views on the development of economic cooperation, with special emphasis on attracting more Italian investments, trade and economic cooperation, deepening inter-parliamentary cooperation and sharing common experiences in the area of foreign policy and parliamentary diplomacy.
On behalf of the Assembly and in the spirit of the excellent cooperation with the Italian Embassy in Skopje, President Xhaferi presented Ambassador Romeo with an appropriate gift and Certificate of Recognition for his exceptional engagement.