Skopje – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General Amer Kapetanovic has concluded a productive visit to North Macedonia, holding talks with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Speaker of the Assembly Afrim Gashi, Minister for European Affairs Orhan Murtezani, and Andrej Lepavcov, Director of the Directorate for EU at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. The discussions focused on advancing the implementation of Common Regional Market Action Plan, driving progress under the SEE2030 Strategy, and solidifying the commitments to the Green Agenda for the region. North Macedonia officials reaffirmed their commitment to RCC agendas, pledging to enhance proactive adaptability to regional deliverables to accelerate closer cooperation across the region.

The visit, which is part of the RCC Secretary General’s tour of the South East Europe, underscored North Macedonia’s role as a key regional partner. Discussions highlighted North Macedonia’s notable achievements, including its leadership in adopting the Western Balkans’ first Energy and Climate Plan, its growing competitiveness in innovation and digitalisation, and its upcoming role as the host of the Western Balkans Digital Summit. RCC’s priorities for the coming period—such as enhancing business enabling environment, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable growth—aligned closely with North Macedonia’s ongoing efforts.

“North Macedonia continues to demonstrate forward-thinking leadership and a strong commitment to advancing regional cooperation. By working together, we can achieve a more integrated, sustainable, and competitive South East Europe,” said RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanovic.

Through the meetings, the RCC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting North Macedonia’s progress and strengthening collaboration across the region. Initiatives such as facilitating parliamentary cooperation, enhancing disaster risk sharing, and supporting digital transformation will remain in the focus of RCC’s work. The organisation’s active involvement in implementation of the SEE2030 Strategy, coupled with its role as a bridge between regional stakeholders, will help ensure that the region remains on a path of sustainable growth and closer alignment with European Union standards.

RCC Secretary General also met with the Ambassador of the European Union to North Macedonia Michalis Rokas with whom he spoke about the Western Balkans’ determination to progressing on its EU path and commitment to the regional priorities. 

After Skopje, the RCC Secretary General continues to Tirana where he is set to meet with the President of Albania and the Speaker of the Parliament. By the end of this week, Mr Kapetanovic will chair the meeting, being organised by the RCC in Brussels, of the WB6 Prime Ministers’ Sherpas, dedicated to the implementation of the Common Regional Market Action Plan.