Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announcement on the Fourth Ministerial Meeting between Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Thessaloniki, 22-23 November 2018)

On Thursday and Friday, 22-23 November, the Fourth Ministerial Meeting will be held, in Thessaloniki, between Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, with the participation of the four countries’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and Ministers of Economy and Development.

On behalf of Greece, the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Katrougalos,, who will preside over the proceedings, will participate as well as the Alternate Minister of Economy and Development, Stergios Pitsiorlas.

Discussions among the Ministers of Foreign Affairs will focus on issues of common interest, as well as on developments in the wider region, while emphasis will be placed on cross-border cooperation and regional co-ordination in face of the challenges that lay beyond each country’s borders, such as those resulting from the continued instability in the Middle East. The issue of the European perspective of the Western Balkans will also be discussed.

During their meeting, the Ministers of Economy and Development will investigate ways to further strengthen the outward-looking nature, energy cooperation, and connectivity of the four economies through improvement in infrastructure and the use of digital technology.

Upon conclusion of the proceedings, on Friday 23 November, at approximately 13:10, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos will hold a press conference.