Secretary-General Congratulates Albania, North Macedonia, as European Council Announces Accession Talks

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General welcomes the decision of the European Council to open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia.  He congratulates the Governments and people of Albania and North Macedonia on achieving this important milestone and encourages sustained efforts to implement national reforms, including towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.