Joint border crossing from Kosovo and North Macedonia

A joint border crossing application has been implemented at the Bllace-Hani i Elezit Border Crossing, located between the Balkan countries of North Macedonia and Kosovo, in order to facilitate crossings and increase the efficiency of border controls by reducing waiting times. A ceremony was held at the Bllace-Hani i Elezit Border Crossing to mark the start of the implementation.

The ceremony was attended by North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, ministers from both countries, and numerous guests.

"WE ARE SHOWING THAT A BORDER DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A WALL"

In his speech here, Prime Minister Mickoski said, "We are beginning to write the first page of a common, new, contemporary, and pragmatic chapter of our mutual cooperation."

Stating that this work does not only mean the modernization of a border crossing, but also the opening of a new perspective for citizens, the economy, and the region, Mickoski continued his words as follows:

"Today, we are showing here that a border does not have to be a wall. A border can and should be a common bridge, a bridge that connects people, ideas, and opportunities. A bridge where trust, cooperation, economic exchange, culture, and the development of tourism are discussed. A bridge through which millions of citizens, but also millions of hopes and plans, will pass."

Mickoski also stated that this border had meant an obstacle until today, but from now on, it has become a symbol of modernity, integration, and regional maturity.

BORDER CROSSINGS EXPECTED TO BE FACILITATED

In his speech, Prime Minister Kurti said that joint border crossings are new points of cooperation that connect the two countries more closely and further strengthen good neighborly relations.

Stating that more than 5 million people passed through the three border crossings between the two countries in 2024, and that this number is an indicator of the strong bond between the two countries, Kurti said, "The new joint border crossing model in Bllace is based on the 'entry-entry' principle, and this is a concrete indicator of the increase in trust between us and of practical progress."

Following the speeches, the guests inspected the joint border crossing.