Prime Minister Edi Rama says Albania has played an active role in promoting peace and cooperation in the Western Balkans, stressing that the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia remains an unresolved issue. During a discussion at the Paris Peace Forum, Rama highlighted Albania’s contribution to regional stability, underlining that our country has consistently pursued a peaceful and cooperative approach with its neighbors.
“Albania has always been a peace-loving country, and over the last 10 years we have tried to be very active in promoting peace and cooperation with everyone in the region,” the head of government declared. Speaking about the importance of good relations with neighboring countries, the prime minister also quoted his grandmother, conveying the message that coexistence and mutual understanding are essential.
“Neighbors are where they are. They will always be there. They are not going anywhere. So it is better to try to get along with your neighbor, because otherwise you end up with trouble. My grandmother used to say: ‘A happy neighbor makes a happy house’,” Rama said.
Regarding the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, the prime minister acknowledged that efforts for regional cooperation have not yet brought the expected solution. According to him, Serbia’s relations with the European Union also do not appear to be progressing in the right direction. “We have tried to do everything we could, with some degree of success. But when it comes to Serbia and Kosovo, it remains a question mark,” he stressed.
Rama also stated that Kosovo’s independence is an irreversible reality and that Serbia’s acceptance of this fact would be an important step toward normalizing relations between the two countries. “While Kosovo is an independent state, a state recognized by many countries, though not yet by all, there is no turning back. There is no way to turn it into a new Serbian fantasy,” the prime minister declared.
In conclusion, Rama noted that the sooner Serbia accepts the reality of Kosovo’s statehood, the more opportunities will be created to overcome tensions and build normal relations in the region.