Amid ongoing debates and criticisms within North Macedonia’s political landscape regarding Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s visit to two Albanian-majority municipalities, Kosovo’s Government spokesperson has emphasized that regular communication between their respective cabinets maintains positive relations.
Spokesperson Përparim Kryeziu underscored that Prime Minister Kurti’s visit to North Macedonia was extended by invitation from Visar Ganiu, the Mayor of Cair Municipality, and Bilall Kasami, the Mayor of Tetovo Municipality. The purpose of the visit was to mark the renaming of a street in Skopje after Adem Demaçi, an activist, and to inaugurate the road linking the Vice village with the Selce village, as indicated in an official statement.
Political figures within North Macedonia, both in government and opposition, have exchanged mutual accusations following Prime Minister Kurti’s appearance in Tetovo. Notably, a flag symbolizing “Greater Albania” was publicly displayed during the event, sparking controversy. Furthermore, the naming of a street in Cair Municipality after activist Adem Demaçi has raised concerns among Macedonian officials due to the perceived lack of broad interethnic consensus. The street had previously been named after the “2nd Macedonian Assault Brigade”, a partisan military unit from World War II.
Experts in North Macedonia have suggested that Prime Minister Kurti’s visit, which notably omitted meetings with high-level government officials, could potentially influence the relationship between the two nations.
Highlighting the past joint meeting of the two governments in September 2021 – the first of its kind – prompted by positive relations and shared interests, spokesperson Kryeziu reaffirmed that communication between government cabinets remains routine.
During his visit, Prime Minister Kurti engaged with opposition leaders from Albanian political parties in North Macedonia. Spokesperson Kryeziu also pointed out that in mid-June, the Prime Minister participated in the Prespa Forum in Struga, where he held discussions with various Albanian officials from North Macedonia, including Ali Ahmeti, the leader of the Democratic Union for Integration.
In September 2021, the governments of Kosovo and North Macedonia signed an agreement for the construction of a road connecting Prizren in southern Kosovo with Tetovo in northwestern North Macedonia.
Concluding his visit to Tetovo, Prime Minister Kurti emphasized the importance of an ongoing road project, highlighting the need for North Macedonia to foster closer ties with Kosovo, Albania, and Bulgaria, while distancing itself from Serbia.
