Rama: If Kosovo needs integration and economic development, this is the way
The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and the President of Montenegro, after the meeting in Tirana, held a joint press conference, praising the meetings they are holding, calling on other countries in the region, including Kosovo, to join the initiative to facilitate the movement of people and goods.
It was also said that these meetings will serve both for coordination in collecting EU funds and for rapprochement towards the EU.
The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, said that they expect a specific map accompanied by a table of achievements where balances can be taken.
"I hear a lot of rumors that this initiative only benefits Serbia, but it is the opposite, that every country that enters this process can benefit from this initiative," he said.
According to him, by opening the borders to third countries visiting one of our countries, it becomes possible to increase the number of tourists in our countries.
As for Kosovo's rejection, he said that Kosovo does not need to unconditionally displease those who supported it in difficult days.
"If Kosovo needs respect today, for integration, for economic development, this is the path. The other paths of neo-Marxist fantasies, of absurd protectionism, have you seen any poor country in the world doing protectionism, are suicide in the economic and political plan, since the friends, supporters and partners in this process are here," he said.
According to him, if Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro agree on liberalization in every aspect, what does Kosovo gain by not coming, while no one is saying that this should not be done with Kosovo.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that it is important that cooperation between countries be as close as possible.
He said that the Serbian government will make a decision to support Albania with a donation and will be one, two, three or four of the largest donors in support of the areas affected by the earthquake in Albania.
According to Vučić, they will work to facilitate the movement of vehicles across border points, saying they will try to create a common market.
The President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, said that they are ready to organize the next meeting in Montenegro, since every regional initiative is made in an effort to achieve standards that help our countries' membership in the European Union.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, said that post-earthquake aid will continue in the form of funds, and called on all Macedonian citizens to show solidarity to overcome the situation in the areas affected by the earthquake.
He said that during February, at the next meeting, which is likely to be held in Belgrade, they will sign an agreement on intervention and solidarity between countries in the event of natural disasters.
Zaev mentioned the facilitations at customs points but also in the free movement of citizens.
According to him, all countries in the region seem to be joining this regional initiative.
He added that they have agreed that the moment a tourist enters the airport of a regional country, he will be able to pass to other countries without being checked.
