Abazović in New York: A5 Initiative symbolizes unity and shared values

On the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister and acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Dritan Abazović participated in a working breakfast for the ministers of foreign affairs of the US-Adriatic Charter member countries, at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, as part of North Macedonia's presidency of the A5 initiative, which includes Montenegro, the United States, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Albania, North Macedonia, as well as observer countries: the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Kosovo. US Special Envoy Gabriel Escobar also attended the A5 initiative working breakfast.

During the working breakfast, which was organized under the theme "Secure, Stable, Integrated Western Balkans: (Im)possible Mission," Abazović emphasized that "the A5 Initiative symbolizes unity and shared values, as well as the collective ambitions of member countries to achieve a vision of a peaceful and prosperous region." He also noted that it represents a challenging mission, given the vulnerability of the Western Balkans in the face of numerous threats that undermine its stability.

In this context, he pointed out the consequences of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the ongoing hybrid activities against Western democracies, including countries in the region. He particularly highlighted the importance of joint action by member countries to strengthen collective stability and ensure the secure future of the Western Balkans as a prerequisite for integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

In this context, he emphasized the need for a greater presence of the European Union and NATO in the region, which, as he assessed, requires continuous attention and commitment from partners in order to counter threats and strengthen the integrity of the Western Balkans.