TIRANA, March 25/ATA/ At the start of his official visit to Austria, President of the Republic Bajram Begaj was received today with high honors by President Alexander Van der Bellen.
The two presidents held a one-on-one meeting; then there was held another meeting with the presence of the respective delegations and finally the heads of the two states gave a joint press conference.
In confirmation of the traditional Albania-Austria friendship, the heads of the two states shared the same stance for an intensive and sustainable partnership, for facing regional and European integration challenges and for a strategic vision regarding the unification of the Western Balkans with the European Union.
The conversation between them included a wide range of discussions, the details of which were unveiled by President Begaj at the press conference with President Van der Bellen.
President Begaj expressed to his counterpart his gratitude for its support in many areas, such as: in the economy, education, tourism, in the reform of the judiciary and in particular in accelerating the European integration process.
“Our relations constitute a partnership that is strengthened day by day,” stated President Begaj, emphasizing that Albania and Austria have an excellent political dialogue, share the same strategic interests, while preserving common Euro-Atlantic values.
“We must enable these strategic interests to be reflected in joint actions for a future of a developed Albania, an Albania that is a member of the European Union, a secure, peaceful and EU-integrated Western Balkans and a region far from the influence of third actors,” said Begaj.
President Begaj underlined that Albania has moved rapidly in the last two years and is optimistic about opening all clusters within the year, with the national objective of EU membership in 2030.
“Despite the fact that membership will take its time, for us the process is more important because it transforms society, transforms good governance, the economy and brings direct benefits to all our citizens,” added the president.
President Begaj praised Austria for its commitment to support Albania’s future in the EU and also the Austrian leadership for the strategic vision to keep the Western Balkans firmly anchored on the European path. This commitment is also reflected in Austria’s initiation of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” diplomatic group, which is a coalition that aims to strengthen the European Union’s commitment to the region. President Begaj appreciated that such an approach will produce regional stability and reduce geopolitical risks from external influences.
Speaking about Kosovo, President Begaj conveyed to his counterpart his gratitude for Austria’s role and contribution to its independence, strengthening of the new state of Kosovo, for new recognitions and its membership in regional and international organizations. /a.f/p.s./
