"Our common goal is a peaceful, strong, stable, prosperous and united Europe through the full integration of the Western Balkans in the EU," stated Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in his opening speech at the High-Level Conference held in Thessaloniki on Monday.

"The future of the Western Balkans should be inside EU," he said.

"The Western Balkans are an integral part of Europe and the EU's enlargement policy is the strongest tool for guaranteeing peace, stability and security in the region," Dendias said, noting that Western Balkan countries must implement the necessary reforms, on the one hand, while the EU must meet its commitments and give credit to those countries that deserve it, on the other hand.

"Both the EU and the Western Balkans must look to the future and examine issues, such as the rule of law, human rights and the strengthening of democratic institutions, as well as promoting economic growth, social progress and competitiveness," Dendias underlined.

"All the above," he continued, "should be accompanied by the established pillars of enlargement, such as good neighbourly relations in accordance with international law and international cooperation. This effort should be the cornerstone of a long-term agenda, which also seeks the full integration of the Western Balkans in the European single market, the creation of jobs, the improvement of the investment and business climate, promoting the rule of law and the prevention of brain drain".

The conference entitled "From Thessaloniki to Zagreb," which is organised by the Greek foreign ministry, is taking place three months before the EU Summit in Zagreb in May.

Dendias called on the countries of the Western Balkans to set aside ambivalence over where they belong, underlining that "any weakness in the enlargement process will have direct repercussions mainly upon us, and it is important to be united."

Earlier, Dendias met with Deputy Foreign Minister of Bosnia-Herzegovina Josip Brkic.

Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio cancelled his visit to Thessaloniki due to the coronavirus crisis in Italy and will be represented by the Italian Ambassador to Greece.

On March European Council meeting

Dendias stressed that "Greece's hope and volition is for the March European Council meeting to set a date for the start of EU accession negotiations for both North Macedonia and Albania," speaking after the end of the conference. 
On the protection of the rights and property of the Greek ethnic minority in Albania, Dendias said this concerns the neighboring country's compliance with the hard core of the European acquis and is also an issue of bilateral relations.
The minister finally said that Friday's meeting essentially paved the way for the EU-Western Balkans summit, to be held in Zagreb on May 5-7.