TIRANA, May 21/ATA/- The operation of the FRONTEX mission in Albania marks a very important moment in the relations between Albania and the EU and aims to strengthen border security to stop migrants who intend to use our country as transit to move into EU countries.
Interior Minister Sandër Lleshaj made the statement today at the ceremony marking launch of the First Joint Operation in the Western Balkans.
According to him, the beginning of implementation of this agreement today, on the eve of EU decision-making for Albania’s membership negotiations, gives it a special significance.
The minister emphasized that every investment in security should produce even more freedom and freedom of movement remains a major achievement which needs to be maintained with daily dedication like this one we are starting today.
“The engagement in the first phase of the operation from 22 May to 19 June of a considerable number of staff and special technicians from 11 EU countries highlights the great importance attached to it. The border guards from the EU countries will patrol together with our border guards to raise the border control over all its elements to a higher level, “said Lleshaj.
But, he added, that besides the ever-growing influx of regular travel tourists, there has been an increase in the number of irregular migrants who have tried to use Albania as a transit country in their bid towards European countries.
“In 2018, this number increased over 6 times compared to 2017, while the phenomenon continued to be present this year. Through joint operation and FRONTEX we intend to address irregular migration issues to Albania, but we also will strengthen our capacities in the fight against cross-border crime, we will increase cooperation with FRONTEX and with EU member states, which participate in the operation”- said Lleshaj.
Above all, he added, we will increase the level of mutual cooperation between Albanian police and European counterparts./k.s/ /a.g/p.s./
