TIRANA, October 18/ATA/ Croatia supports the enlargement process of the European Union. During a briefing with the visiting Croatian President Zoran Milanovic, President Bajram Begaj stated that during their meeting they had paid special attention to the intensification of economic and commercial cooperation.
Begaj emphasized the need for better communication between Croatia and Albania, for the benefit of both countries and the region.
“This process is a strategic necessity. I expressed the belief that Croatia will strongly support the enlargement process. Albania is a reliable partner of the EU in terms of foreign policy and strategy. Also, within the framework of excellent political cooperation, we paid special attention to the intensification of economic and commercial cooperation. The data show an optimistic trend, but a joint effort is needed to encourage commercial and economic exchanges between the two countries”, said Begaj.
“I underlined the need for better communication between the two countries, for the benefit of the two states and the region. The establishment of a direct Tirana-Zagreb flight and the interconnection of passenger transport between the main ports of the two countries will have an economic impact in the field of tourism”, he continued.
“I estimated that thanks to the experience of the Croatian expertise in the field of tourism, energy, infrastructure, more can be done to promote investments in these fields. I welcomed the two recently reached agreements, that of health and social insurance. I expressed my gratitude for the support that Croatia gave to the Albanian candidacy for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2024-2026,” said President Begaj.
Begaj added that he confirmed to his Croatian counterpart Albania’s support for Croatia’s candidacy to the UNSC for 2030-2031.
“Albania and Croatia have a record for the treatment of minorities, a model that should be followed by other countries in the region. I acquainted Milanovic with the problems faced by the Albanian minority, mainly in the valley of Presheva. Albanians there should be treated according to European standards”, said Begaj.
Both presidents paid special attention to the developments in the region, mainly the September 24 attack in Banjska.
Begaj expressed his concern to Milanovic about the preparation and heavy military weaponry used by the terrorist group, while underlining the need to increase pressure on the part of the European Union for the completion of investigations and determining the responsibilities.
“After the acts of Hamas on Israel, it becomes necessary for the EU-NATO to discourage provocative approaches of Serbia towards Kosovo”, he said./p.s./
