Mogherini: Albania, success story in region

“I have always said that Western Balkans in general as a region are going to be a priority for me, as it is the region where a little bit of work from the European side with the consistency and coherence can make a lot of difference not only in the interest of the citizens in this country, but also in the interest of the European Union, and Albania is for sure a success story in the region, and we need to continue in this way not only for the EU, not only Albania and Albanian citizens on the way to reforms, but also for the entire region,” Mogherini said. “The role that Albania can play in the region is crucial, is key.  I think that we know it, you know it, and we can work hand-in-hand to continue on the path of not only European integration, but also regional integration, and we know that we can count on the Albanian government to go on in this path of reforms and of changes internally and in the region,” she said.

While Minister Bushati said that “we discussed the ways the EU could support the state building exercise in Albania and in the region and contribute to an efficient and dynamic integration process.” “We discussed on the need for support from the EU to the Western Balkans, in order to transform the Western Balkans into a true region, in political, economic and security terms,” he said.

“The geopolitical clarity is the key if we want to build a state of common purpose and common values in the Western Balkans,” said Bushati. “As the High Representative noted, Albania is proud of its record of full alignment with EU foreign policy along with substantial efforts in the coalition against terror and we will continue on this path and we will continue to advance in the democratization and transformation process of the region,” he concluded