Ministry for Foreign Afairs and Europe - Republic of Albania

07/05/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/05/2022 05:57

Minister Xhaçka welcomes Ministers from Ireland and Finland, Xhaçka: European integration is one of the great tasks that Europe must fulfill at this moment

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, met today in Tirana with the Minister of State for European Affairs of Ireland, Thomas Byrne and the Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering of Finland, Tytti Tuppurainen.

Minister Xhaçka thanked both ministers for the firm support that their countries have shown and continue to show to Albania on its path towards EU integration.

"Together we agree that European integration is one of the great tasks that Europe must fulfill at this moment. The Western Balkans is of strategic importance for our continent. It is part of Europe and part of the European family. For this reason, intensive dialogue and joint regional initiatives, such as the Berlin Process or the Open Balkans, should be a priority", Minister Xhaçka said during the press conference.

Minister Byrne in his statement mentioned that "Albania has shown great patience and great generosity in this process and I hope that it can happen this week for the negotiations to be opened, then we will be able to work on another level in the future, as you continue the work you are doing for the rule of law, media freedom and for the economy".

He also praised Albania's work in the United Nations Security Council, where both countries are seated on the same table as non-permanent members of UNSC for 2021-2022.

Meanwhile, Minister Tuppurainen mentioned that Finland is one of the biggest supporters of EU enlargement and that during Finland's presidency they did their best to open negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia.

"The start of the negotiations remains a key priority for us and I think we are at a historic moment and I am very optimistic and we all hope that the negotiations will open soon," said Minister Tuppurainen.

The Ministers' visit to Tirana comes as part of a tour in the Western Balkan countries, where they previously visited North Macedonia and Kosovo.