TIRANA, April 14 /ATA/ – Albania and Kosovo pledged closer coordination across areas of shared national interest on Tuesday, with both sides highlighting the role of the diaspora in strengthening long-term cooperation.
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha and Kosovo First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca made the remarks after talks in Tirana on the sidelines of the Fourth Diaspora Summit.
Hoxha said the diaspora remained “an irreplaceable asset” and “a living bridge” connecting the country with the world, adding that it contributed directly to economic, social and identity-related development.
He said the two sides had reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation across sectors including the economy, infrastructure, energy, education, culture, defence and security.
“Our interests are shared, and so are the opportunities,” Hoxha said, adding that the meeting covered “all issues of mutual interest” with a focus on strengthening bilateral ties.
He said both governments would review existing agreements and commitments to ensure their implementation and to advance joint priorities “for the benefit of Albania, Kosovo and the wider region.”
Hoxha also called for the reactivation of joint institutional mechanisms and faster progress on major national projects.
On foreign policy, he reiterated Albania’s support for Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic integration, including its bid for European Union candidate status.
“The current momentum in Kosovo’s relations with the EU must be used without delay,” he said. “We do not have the luxury of waiting. The time requires action, determination, coordination and unity.”
He added that Albania would continue to support Kosovo’s international positioning and recognition efforts.
Konjufca described the meeting as “very good and friendly,” saying discussions included bilateral cooperation as well as Kosovo’s upcoming engagements in multilateral forums, including EU integration and membership of the Council of Europe.
“In the end, we represent the interests of the same nation,” he said. “Both Albania and Kosovo represent the interests of the Albanian nation internationally.”
He said he wished success to both governments and to the broader Albanian nation.
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