Good political relations between Macedonia and Albania should be accompanied by more intensive cooperation in the economic sector, which is currently lagging behind.

Utilizing of potentials is a future priority, which is conditioned by proper infrastructure, enabling free movement of people, commodities and services, assessed Macedonian and Albanian Presidents, Gjorge Ivanov and Bamir Topi respectively, at a meeting in Tirana on Thursday.

In the infrastructure context, the significance of Corridor 8 and the necessity for more efforts in this regard was emphasized. Pertaining to Golo Brdo border crossing, Ivanov said the obligation from the Macedonian side has been completed, whereas President Topi assessed the delay in the road works on the Albanian side as a technical issue.

Interlocutors also referred to the issue of minorities and good neighborly relations, with Topi saying that the Macedonian minority in Albania is considered integrated and enjoying all rights in line with the Constitution and international conventions, whereas the country has been favorably assessed by the Council of Europe.

When asked whether forms at the coming census would include graph "Macedonian", Topi responded that the institutions implement the statistical operation in line with European standards.

"The Albanian people and institutions are cautious regarding this process and will encourage people to freely declare themselves. We will not allow any ultra-nationalist to deform this process", added Topi.

President Ivanov said the communities should represent a bridge linking the countries.

Earlier, Ivanov said in a parliament's address that an important benefit from this year's censuses in both countries, was that the Macedonian national minority in Albania would have the opportunity to express its national, religious and lingual affiliation for the first time.

At a joint press conference with his Albanian colleague, President Ivanov emphasized that the Framework Agreement is a positive model for the entire region.

"I would be overjoyed if the Framework Agreement principles are observed in all regional countries. We all aspire towards Europe, but we also have to create Europe in our countries too", said Ivanov.

The Macedonian and Albanian Presidents also stressed the countries' mutual interests regarding the EU and NATO integration. Ivanov thanked Albania, which is an Alliance member, for its efforts in promoting Macedonia's accession.

Furthermore, the two countries signed today an agreement on cooperation and support on the road to the EU.

"Albania has no prejudice related to the Balkan countries", said Topi regarding the Serbia-Kosovo relations, saluting Ivanov's initiative for a meeting involving presidents of Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo.

President Ivanov's agenda also included meetings with Prime Minister Sali Berisha and Parliament Speaker Josefina Topalli.