Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia sign series of agreements to boost relations

Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia on Friday signed a series of agreements to boost relations as they attended the Open Balkan Initiative Summit in Belgrade.

The cooperation protocols were in the fields of higher education, tourism, culture, trade and taxation.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said the Open Balkans initiative brought hope to the region and the time has come to cooperate. "We have shown that we can be not only equal, but also more successful than others in Europe and the world. I am proud of our friendship and cooperation," he added.

While Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the establishment of a joint agency for foreign investment, Prime Minister of North Macedonia Dimitar Kovacevski emphasized on the importance of acting together.

The Western Balkans comprise Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, all of which want to join the EU.

The Open Balkan regional initiative, formalized in 2019, aims at boosting trade and student exchange opportunities for some 12 million people, as well as encouraging the three countries’ integration into the EU.