The parliamentary committees on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora and on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development held a joint meeting in Struga, North Macedonia, on May 12-13. The OSCE organized the event.
The meeting brought together MPs from Albania and North Macedonia, along with ambassadors and senior OSCE officials.
During the discussions, participants focused on environmental and climate challenges. They described them as major threats to ecosystems, economies and public well-being across the region.
Meanwhile, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Kilian Wahl, stressed the need for dialogue and regional cooperation. He said Albania and North Macedonia share responsibility for protecting Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa and mountain ecosystems.
In addition, OSCE Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities, Bakyt Dzhusupov, highlighted the role of MPs, academics and civil society in addressing climate challenges and promoting sustainable development.
At the same time, Head of the OSCE Presence in Tirana, Michel Tarran, said environmental and climate threats require coordinated action. He also underlined the role of parliaments in strengthening cooperation and environmental security.
Chair of the parliamentary committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, Anila Denaj, called for stronger dialogue and closer monitoring of environmental laws.
Likewise, Chair of the parliamentary committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Ina Zhupa, said Albania and North Macedonia must work together to protect shared natural and cultural heritage. She added that climate change already affects citizens, security and regional stability.
Participants also discussed illegal logging, wildfires and cross-border environmental risks. Furthermore, experts from environmental agencies, national parks and civil society groups shared experiences on climate security.
In conclusion, lawmakers reaffirmed the need for stronger regional cooperation, nature protection and sustainable development.
/a.c/
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