TIRANA, Oct 30 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is the only European country with virtually no relations with Russia and will continue to firmly support Ukraine, speaking at the Paris Peace Forum on Thursday.
“I represent Albania, which has no relations with Russia – or, let’s say, has the lowest level of relations with Russia in Europe,” Rama said. “No Russian leader has visited Albania since the 1960s, and no Albanian leader has travelled to Russia. We have never had high-level visits and we have no Russian money. That is who we are, and that is what I represent.”
The government head warned that Europe was losing focus in the face of the war in Ukraine and should develop a clearer foreign policy and a strategic plan for peace.
“I’m not saying ‘stop the war’ or ‘give Putin what he wants’. I’m saying: fight the war, but prepare for peace,” he said.
Asked whether Albania could play a role in diplomacy, Rama noted the country’s size but said he would continue to defend his position.
“I represent a small country that cannot change the global trajectory,” he said. “But I must stand by my views and my country. If I am wrong, no harm is done. But if larger countries are wrong, the consequences are far greater.”
The Paris Peace Forum, launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, gathers leaders and public figures to discuss cooperation on global challenges including security, the economy and peace-building.
/k.s/r.e/a.f/u.sh/
