Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati paid a working visit in Athens, upon invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Greece, Nikolaos Kotzias.

This visit comes in the course of a close and periodic dialogue, in the framework of the high-level mechanism between the two ministries on dealing with bilateral open issues.

Talks dwelt on the entire cooperation spectrum and strategic partnership between the two countries, developments in the region, current security challenges and the need for a better interaction in facing them at regional level and beyond.

Both ministers paid special attention to addressing issues with historical background, present and future ones, which have already been placed on the discussion table between the parties, aiming at finding sustainable modalities for their final address.

Parties also reviewed the progress made so far through the high-level mechanism and agreed on a common timetable for addressing all issues. Both Ministers  highly appreciated the progress made in some bilateral committees which have practical effects and direct impact on the lives of the citizens and expressed their commitment to continue with concrete results that will give a new spirit to our relations and contribute on strengthening and deepening cooperation in all fields.

Both ministers shared the same vision that consolidation of ongoing relations of strategic importance between our two neighboring countries, both NATO members, and closer in view of European perspective, is significant not only at the bilateral level but also serves the region’s European future.

In addition, Minister Bushati and Minister Kotzias discussed the latest developments in the region, particularly over the situation in Macedonia, expressed their concern over the intensification of the current crisis and highlighted the need for a quick reflection to the benefit of the country's stability and the European future of Macedonia.