TIRANA, June 4 /ATA/ – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda voiced support for Albania’s European Union membership bid during a visit to Tirana on Thursday, where he met Albanian President Bajram Begaj.
The visit marks the first official trip by a Lithuanian head of state to Albania.
The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, Albania’s EU accession process, regional and European security issues, and cooperation within NATO.
Begaj said Nausėda had reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Albania’s efforts to join the EU. The Lithuanian President also highlighted EU enlargement as a priority during Lithuania’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027, with particular focus on the Western Balkans.
“EU membership remains Albania’s national priority,” Begaj said, adding that the country would continue implementing reforms required for full membership.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Begaj and Nausėda praised political dialogue between the two countries and expressed confidence that it could be expanded into broader practical cooperation.
The leaders also discussed strengthening economic ties and promoting new investment opportunities.
Begaj highlighted Albania’s role in regional and European security, pointing to its alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, participation in EU missions and operations, and continued support for Ukraine.
The two presidents reaffirmed their shared commitment to Euro-Atlantic security as NATO allies.
Nausėda also expressed support for Albania as host of the NATO summit scheduled to take place in Tirana in 2027.
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