TIRANA, Nov 25 /ATA/ Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi has commenced a parliamentary diplomacy tour in Austria aimed at advancing EU integration.
He was received by Austrian Parliament Speaker Walter Rosenkranz, marking a new phase in Albania’s parliamentary efforts to advance its EU accession process.
Supported by the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the governments of EU member states, Peleshi emphasised that “securing the backing of national parliaments and EU citizens is now essential.”
He noted that the initiative was launched in Vienna, highlighting Austria’s longstanding role as a steadfast ally of Albania since its independence and its continued support for the country’s strategic aim of joining the European Union.
During the meeting, the Parliament Speaker highlighted Austria’s ongoing commitment to the integration of Albania and the Western Balkan countries, describing this process as an added value for the European Union and for strengthening peace, security, and stability across the continent.
Both parties highlighted the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation across all sectors and of deepening parliamentary collaboration at every level, including senior leadership, committees, friendship groups, and parliamentary services.
Both interlocutors put the emphasis on Albania’s proactive engagement in regional initiatives supporting dialogue and EU integration in the Western Balkans. The Parliament Speaker underlined that Albania and Austria remain key partners in security, aligned on European security and the safeguarding of democratic values.
The discussions also focused on support for Kosovo in the international arena, including increasing recognitions, advancing Euro-Atlantic integration, the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue, and Austria’s role in securing the full removal of EU restrictive measures against Kosovo.
Both nations reaffirmed their joint commitment to supporting Ukraine and to promoting peace and stability across Europe and beyond.
Peleshi highlighted that Albania’s ties with Austria extend beyond politics to encompass emotional and human dimensions, noting Austria’s historical support for the Albanian intellectual elite, initiatives such as the “Workshop of Democracy,” and emerging academic collaborations between Albanian and Austrian universities.
“Today I have come not only to express gratitude on behalf of all Albanians for what Austria is doing for Albania, but also to build new bridges and avenues for cooperation. We Albanians wish to stand in Europe with dignity—not merely as beneficiaries, but also as contributors through our knowledge and commitment,” he said during a press statement.
The visit marks a significant step in strengthening parliamentary and strategic relations between the two countries, deepening the alliance and support for Albania’s integration into the European Union.
/sm/
