The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, stated from the Balkan Forum in Budapest that the region sees positive signals from the EU in terms of the integration process.
According to her, the expectation is that within the year 2023, Albania will be able to maintain the Second Intergovernmental Coherence.
“We see a change in the EU’s approach to the region, especially after the illegal Russian aggression in Ukraine. The EU now has a more strategic approach to the Western Balkans, and the prospect of European integration is credible. Holding the EU-BP Summit in Tirana was a strong message of support for the region, but also of the EU’s commitment to the European integration of the Western Balkans”, said Xhaçka.
During the discussion, the minister also mentioned the role played by Albania in the UN Security Council in relation to the war in Ukraine.
“Our country has maintained a clear and courageous position in the SC, denouncing aggression and working diplomatically with allies to isolate Russia. This position is in line not only with our allies, but also with our national interest, as we believe that an international system based on rules, with the UN Charter as its main pillar, is vital for the security of countries like Albania . I don’t know what more the UN can do to achieve peace in Ukraine, but I can say that this peace must begin with the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” said she.
The Budapest Balkan Forum is organized by the Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation. In addition to Minister Xhačka, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Peter Szijjarto, that of Serbia, Ivica Dacic and that of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, were present.
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