TIRANA, March 28 /ATA/ – Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, on his first visit to Tirana on Friday, expressed strong support for Albania’s European Union integration, saying the EU won’t be complete without the Western Balkans joining it.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the Albanian President Bajram Begaj, the Slovak head of state Pellegrini lauded Albania’s significant progress on its path to EU membership.
“We have frank defense relations linked with our strong ties within the North Atlantic Alliance,” Pellegrini said, adding that his visit marks a historic moment in the bilateral political and economic ties.
“Slovakia remains a permanent ally of Albania on its path to EU membership. The Western Balkans belong in the European Union,” Pellegrini stated.
Pellegrini highlighted reforms Albania has undertaken and said it was time for the EU to deliver on its promises.
He also announced increased student exchange programs and noted a rise in Slovak tourism to Albania.
Slovak President said that he and Begaj had also discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, tourism, education, agriculture, and environmental protection.
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