TIRANA, December 1/ATA/ President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated that Germany will continue to stand by Albania’s side and will support our country in its European journey.
During the joint press conference with President Bajram Begaj, after the bilateral meeting, Steinmeier praised Albania’s role in the NATO.
“Not only Germany, but also NATO is happy to have such a reliable partner as Albania by its side. Within NATO, Albania contributes significantly to the defense of the eastern flank and to the strengthening of regional security, here in the Western Balkans”, he stated.
He assured of Germany’s continued support, as he appreciated the role of our country in the Security Council.
“I have the utmost respect for the commitment as a member of the Security Council, within the UN, in a difficult period. Germany has accompanied Albania from the beginning in its alignment with the EU and has contributed within its possibilities to the strengthening of relations and their expansion. It was very important for me to travel as soon as possible after the start of the negotiations to Albania, and I promise you that in context of the reforms in the membership process, we will continue to support you. And a very important step was taken on July 19 with the opening of membership negotiations. I hope that very soon Albania will become member of the EU, even in its formal dimension”, stated the German president.
According to Steinmeier, the road to the first inter-governmental conference was associated with considerable efforts, which, as he put it, have in turn also brought steps forward.
“Meanwhile, progress is also reflected in the EC’s 2022 Enlargement Package”, he said.
In regard to the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, he appreciated the role of the European Union representative for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue Miroslav Lajčak.
“Every contribution that reduces the escalation of conflicts would be welcome. Respect for my colleague and friend, Lajçak, who has made it his mission to normalize the dialogue”, said Steinmeier./p.s./
