Monday, 5 October 2020
VIRTUAL MEETING BETWEEN PRESIDENT XHAFERI AND FORMER MEPs
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, Talat Xhaferi, had a virtual meeting today with a delegation of former MEPs, led by the former President, Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering.
Congratulating him on his re-election as President of the Assembly, Dr. Pöttering emphasized his contribution to stabilizing the work of the Assembly in the previous term and pointed out that European Parliament’s and President Sassoli’s support will continue with unabated intensity in this term as well. He stressed that the mission of the former MEPs, who are still active and influential in politics and society in their respective countries is to contribute to the unification of the European continent as soon as possible.
President Xhaferi expressed satisfaction with the meeting in a state of a pandemic and thanked for the European institutions' support in our efforts to fulfill the second strategic goal, after NATO membership, full membership in the European Union. He welcomed the cooperation with the European Parliament, especially President David Sassoli's initiative for more intensive communication with the Speakers of Western Balkans parliaments, as well as the Jean Monnet Dialogue as a positive instrument, especially in light of the 27 April events, expressing hope it will continue as soon as conditions allow.
President Xhaferi welcomed the initiatives arising from the Berlin Process, such as the RYCO Youth Office and the co-chairmanship of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Bulgaria with the process this year.
Former MEPs took interest in the current political developments in the country, citizens' support for the European integration process, the transparency of the Assembly, the parliamentary oversight, the fight against corruption, the rule of law and the representation of women in politics.