TIRANA, March 9 /ATA/ Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, stated from the Budapest Balkans Forum that the region sees positive signals from the EU in terms of the accession process and the expectations are that within 2023 our country will be able to hold the Second Intergovernmental Conference.
“We see a shift in the EU’s approach to the region, especially after Russia’s unlawful aggression against Ukraine. The EU now has a more strategic approach towards the Western Balkans, and the perspective of European integration is credible. Holding the EU-WB Summit in Tirana was a strong message of support for the region, but also of the EU’s commitment to the European integration of the Western Balkans,” she said.
In her remarks, Minister Xhaçka also focused on the role played by Albania in the UN Security Council in relation to the war in Ukraine.
“Our country has maintained a clear and bold position in the SC, condemning aggression and working diplomatically alongside the allies to isolate Russia. This position is in line not only with our allies, but also with our national interest, as we believe that an international system based on rules, the UN Charter as its main pillar, is vital for the security of countries like Albania . I don’t know what more the UN can do to achieve peace in Ukraine, but I can say that this peace must begin with the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” she said.
The Budapest Balkans Forum is organized by the Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation. Apart from Minister Xhaçka, in attendance were Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Peter Szijjarto, of Serbia, Ivica Dacic, and of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani.
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