Central Banks Enhance Regional Cooperation: High-Level Visit by National Bank of North Macedonia to CBK Marks Significant Milestone

The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia (NBRM) for a two-day visit. Governor Ismaili, deputy governors and his team met with delegation of NBRM led by Governor Angelovska-Bezhoska and accompanied by Deputy Governor Bajrami and their team, aimed to advance cooperation between the two central banks across several critical areas, including financial supervision, macroprudential frameworks, financial literacy, payment systems and SEPA integration.

The visit commenced with a welcoming session where Governor Ismaili and Governor Angelovska-Bezhoska together with their teams engaged in a comprehensive dialogue to discuss their strategic goals and regulatory priorities. The meetings aimed to set the stage for a collaborative exploration of ways to exchange knowledge and experience, ultimately contributing to financial stability and resilience.

Following the initial discussions, the teams engaged in an in-depth analysis of the financial sector challenges faced by both countries. Discussions and presentations from the CBK and NBRM addressed recent developments in banking, insurance, microfinance, and non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs), focusing on the regulatory measures needed to strengthen sectoral health and governance.

Further discussions also explored advancements in macroprudential frameworks and tools, including current practices and the impact of various macroprudential instruments employed by both central banks. Additionally, the meetings covered payment systems, with a focus on SEPA integration and the implementation of instant payment solutions. The goal was to improve cross-border transactions and leverage technological advancements for greater regional efficiency, including joint research activities.

The visit concluded with the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which reaffirmed the commitment to ongoing cooperation and coordinated activities between the two central banks. This agreement supports deeper collaboration and integration, contributing to regional economic stability and growth.