TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasized today that, without Italy’s support over the past 35 years, Albania would not be the country it is today.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following the first intergovernmental meeting held in Rome, Rama highlighted Italy’s continued support in Albania’s European integration process, noting that “numerous initiatives continue to advance between Albania, Italy, and various related agencies.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that the discussions also addressed Italy’s assistance to Albania in the training of its police officers through the Police Forces Academy, which is regarded as one of the most renowned institutions of its kind worldwide.
Rama went on saying that the discussions also addressed the expansion of Italy’s support for Albania’s Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Proceedings, as well as for European law texts, involving collaboration with Italian law faculties, experts from the Ministry of Justice, and other relevant stakeholders.
Rama stated that “the work we carry out, thanks to the support Italy has provided us—not just today, but since the very beginning of this journey—is truly substantial.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that, “if we were to imagine Albania’s trajectory over the past 35 years without Italy’s contribution, it is certain that the country would not be what it is today, but would face far more complex challenges—a statement I cannot make about any other nation.”
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her hope that Albania’s political negotiations with the EU will coincide with Italy’s upcoming EU presidency, although she emphasized that the technical negotiations must first be concluded.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated, “In order to advance to the stage of opening political negotiations, it is first necessary to conclude the technical negotiations. As I previously noted, I hope this process coincides with Italy assuming the EU presidency; should that occur, we will be fully positioned to provide comprehensive support to Albania at that time.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni affirmed that Italy will assist Albania in finalizing the technical negotiations.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that Italy will support Albania in completing technical EU negotiations, emphasizing the need for careful, timely cooperation given the complexities of European bureaucracy.
Meloni also highlighted the operational support that Italian law faculties can directly provide in drafting Albania’s Criminal Code.
Meloni stated that Italy can provide comprehensive expertise, continuing its long-standing role as the “cradle of law.” She emphasized that Italy is fully prepared to support Albania in achieving this shared objective.
/gj.m/j.p/sm/
