TIRANA, Dec 1 /ATA/ The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, stated on Thursday that Albania, with its position alongside the European values, can serve as a role model for Europeans and Germany itself.
In his address to the parliament of Albania, Steinmeier underlined that Albania at the international level has proved to be a mature democracy.
“In Albania, there is no doubt about the clear orientation towards the EU and unwavering anchoring in NATO. Your perseverance, your position alongside our European and transatlantic values are inspiring. And you can be a role model for many people everywhere in Europe, even in my decision. Although EU membership is not yet a reality, Albania at the international level has proved to be a mature democracy for so long,” he said.
He said that “30 years after the historical trauma of the dictatorship, your country is today a recognized actor on the international stage and a defender of the rules-based world order.”
“As a member of NATO and OSCE and currently as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, you cooperate closely with your transatlantic and European partners after Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine, Albania clearly aligned itself with the country that was attacked, the victims in the international scene. It showed solidarity and hosted refugees, and for that too I would like to express my heartfelt thanks,” the German President said.
Steinmeier stated today that Albania, with its position alongside the European values, can be a very good model for Europeans and Germany itself.
He underlined that even though EU membership is not yet a reality, Albania has long been a mature democracy at the international level.
“You have reformed your country with the clear objective of EU integration in mind. And the successes are clearly visible. All this is done only when you know what you want. You want a good future for Albania. And your country, I am sure, will be a reliable partner for the EU member states”, the German President said in the Assembly.
He added that Albania’s path to the European Union will continue to be ambitious.
“Albania, which currently holds a special responsibility in the UN Security Council, proved to be a steadfast and reliable partner. This shows that we can rely on Albania, just as your country can rely on the European Union,” he pointed out.
/r.e/sm/
