The future of Macedonia and Albania is within the European Union, the Prime Ministers of both countries, Nikola Gruevski and Sali Berisha respectively, agreed Friday in Tirana.

The two countries will cooperate in turning the common goal – the EU membership – into reality, Gruevski said at a joint press conference with Berisha.

Albania, Berisha said, supports Macedonia's EU integration and believes that the country deserves to start the accession talks. He reaffirmed his country's support of Macedonia's accession to NATO, saying that in spite of being out of the organization at the moment, it is actually a part of the Alliance.

Thanking to the Government's reforms the European Commission has this year, for forth time in row, recommended an opening of Macedonia's EU accession talks, Gruevski said.

"This December we expect to get what we deserve - commencing of the (accession) negotiations. I wish for and believe that European Council will respect this recommendation and Macedonia will, as it deserves, get a date for launching the (entry) talks," Gruevski said.

No one wishes more than us for the last obstacle that stands on Macedonia's road to the European, Euro-Atlantic integration to be eliminated, Gruevski said.

In favour of building the confidence and advancing the dialogue, the Republic of Macedonia has initiated concrete activities in regard to its southern neighbor, such as invitations for meetings on various levels and realization of numerous bilateral projects, Gruevski said. In this respect I believe and hope that recent talks in New York will gain momentum in the upcoming period, he said.

The future of SEE region is within the EU and NATO, Gruevski said, pointing out that Macedonia will remain committed to the Euro-Atlantic integration processes.

"In December we expect Greece to respect the international law, avoid putting the EU in an unpleasant position in this regard, take part in creating more favorable climate for resolving the problem and realize its pledge from the Summit in Thessaloniki for the EU integration of the entire region," Gruevski said.

The PMs expressed satisfaction with the good bilateral relations and advocated a respect of minority rights and freedoms, emphasizing the role of ethnic Albanians living in Macedonia and Macedonians in Albania in developing the ties between the two countries.

Gruevski and Berisha also addressed the economic cooperation, Corridor 8, possibilities for infrastructure connection in terms of energy, rail and highway networks.

Today, Macedonia and Albania also signed two agreements on mutual recognizing of driving licenses and opening of Trebiste-Dzepciste border-crossing.