TIRANA, December 15/ATA/ Albania’s Foreign Minister Olta Xhaçka met her Montenegrin counterpart Đorde Radulović. Following their meeting both ministers gave a joint press conference.
Xhaçka stressed that, “Albania considers Montenegro an important regional partner, an irreplaceable ally in NATO and in the whole process of EU membership.”
Xhaçka further stressed that, “We also discussed the deepening of bilateral relations, where an essential part of our discussion focused on implementation of the agreements signed during the first inter-governmental meeting between Albania and Montenegro, for the opening of new border crossings, for the increase of investments and projects in cross-border areas with a direct impact on increasing the welfare of this area, road transport, water, rail with a focus on their inclusion in European corridors and the creation of joint tourist packages.
In the framework of inter-governmental cooperation, Xhaçka said that, “I appreciate the commitment of the two governments for joint applications for EU funds, for the improvement of interconnection, various road axes, scientific, cultural, educational cooperation, etc.”
Xhaçka added that one of the topics discussed at the meeting was the transformation of Shkodra Lake into a developed, quality and attractive tourism point.
Regarding the joint meeting between the two governments, Minister Xhaçka announced that, “It is expected to be held in the near future”.
Meanwhile, Xhaçka added, with the adoption of the Law on Minorities, Albania has given the Montenegrin minority the place and value it deserves.
On his part, FM of Montenegro Radulović, said that, “Good neighbourly cooperation is one of the pillars of foreign relations and without its implementation our country cannot continue to implement those elements of the strategy”.
Regarding regional stability, Radulović said that, “Being a good neighbour means being a good friend, being a supporter to achieve the goals of the European agenda”.
He said that during the meeting with Minister Xhaçka, they also discussed on issue of minorities, which are one of the main pillars that we must continue to protect and implement their rights.
“Montenegro treats national minorities with a special focus and in particular as far as the Albanian minorities are concerned, it is committed to the rights of the Albanian community”, said the Montenegrin minister./k.s/j.p/p.s./
