TIRANA, Jan 14 /ATA/ – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi paid an official visit to Italy on Wednesday as part of parliamentary diplomacy efforts to advance Albania’s bid to join the European Union.
During the visit, Peleshi met with Lorenzo Fontana, President of Italy’s Chamber of Deputies.
Peleshi said Italy remains Albania’s strategic partner and one of its strongest allies on the path to EU membership. He said Albania is the fastest-moving EU candidate country, pursuing accession with determination and clarity, and stressed the leading role of parliament in the process.
Parliament Speaker added that Albania and Albanians contribute to stability, security and peace in the region, and welcomed Italy’s continued support for Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic integration. Peleshi reiterated that the European Union remains the sole strategic destination for the Western Balkans.
Fontana described Italy as a close friend and strategic partner of Albania, saying bilateral relations were at an excellent level.
He reaffirmed Italy’s strong political and technical backing for Albania’s swift accession to the EU, adding that the Chamber of Deputies would continue to support the process.
Fontana highlighted the importance of parliamentary cooperation in promoting cultural, educational, academic, tourism and defence ties, describing them as key pillars for Europe, the Balkans and the Mediterranean.
He also praised the Albanian community in Italy and reiterated Italy’s support for Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic integration as a contribution to regional stability.
The two sides reviewed progress in implementing the bilateral pensions agreement, under which about 3,500 applications have been filed to date, and underlined the strategic importance of Corridor VIII for connectivity, economic development, energy and security.
Both agreed to deepen parliamentary cooperation at all levels, including between committees and parliamentary friendship groups.
Peleshi was accompanied by lawmakers Ogerta Manastirliu, Ermal Elezi, Skënder Pashaj and Eriona Ismaili, members of the Albania-Italy parliamentary friendship group, as well as Albania’s ambassador to Italy, Anila Bitri.
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