TIRANA, February 10/ATA/ Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani participated in the high-level meeting of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group in Rome, which focused on common security by promoting cooperation in the Western Balkans, as well as priorities leading to the acceleration of the European integration of the Western Balkans.
Participants in this event were the foreign ministers of the Western Balkan countries, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Antonio Tajani, at the same time the host country of this meeting, as well as the EU members of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group.
The ministers agreed on the significance of reviving the enlargement policy and intensifying the EU’s strategic focus on the region, especially considering the current geopolitical challenges. The war in Ukraine and the growing security threats have shown that the integration of the Western Balkans is essential for the security of Europe.
According to Minister Hasani, it is essential that the Western Balkans continue to show high performance in the European integration processes.
“I see a real commitment across the region and I am sure that regular cooperation, summits, high-level meetings will be important bridges to pave the way forward. As for Albania, it has maximum commitment to its journey towards the EU, while it is on track to open all group clusters by 2025, as well as to complete negotiations by 2027”, said Hasani.
The ministers also discussed on the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, acknowledging it as a step forward, but stressing that it cannot replace the political process of the EU membership, which remains the primary goal.
During the meeting, it was highlighted the role of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group in supporting the region’s aspirations for EU integration. Albania, together with its regional partners, remains committed to working closely with the EU to ensure the full integration of the region by 2030.
The Group of Friends of the Western Balkans includes Austria, Greece, Italy, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia. /a.f/r.e/p.s./
