TIRANA, July 21/ATA/ Members of the parliamentary Committee on Human Rights held meetings in Montenegro on Thursday with Energy and Mining Minister Admir Šahmanović and European Affairs Minister Maida Gorčević.
Committee Chair Jorida Tabaku said discussions with Minister Šahmanović focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and economic ties between Albania and Montenegro, particularly in the areas of energy, gas, energy infrastructure and data centres
Tabaku said Albania must position itself as a reliable partner for the European Union, the United States and regional countries by building concrete and lasting partnerships.
“We placed particular emphasis on the need for increased investment in the cities and areas where Albanians live and operate their businesses. Albania must continue to pay close attention to Albanians in Montenegro, including their rights, needs and representation. They should have fair representation in the Montenegrin Parliament and a rightful place under the new electoral code, as well as in political, economic and decision-making processes,” Tabaku said.
Meanwhile, talks with Minister Gorčević focused on the European integration process and Montenegro’s experience on its path towards EU membership.
“Montenegro’s leading position in the EU integration process is no coincidence. Behind this progress lies a clear political commitment, an administration focused on reforms and a process treated as a national priority. Equally important is the way the European agenda is shared and discussed with the opposition, Parliament and other stakeholders. Integration is not the property of a single government, but a national project. This is a lesson Albania should also take,” she said.
According to Tabaku, the Albanian government has no reason to keep the EU integration process confined to government offices and bureaucracy.
“It should transparently share the negotiation agenda, priorities, challenges and the path it is following, not only with the opposition but with all Albanians. Only an open, transparent and inclusive process can build trust and ensure sustainable reforms. European integration cannot be achieved through propaganda or one-way communication. It requires dialogue, accountability and participation. This is the example set by Montenegro, and it is also the standard Albania should follow,” Tabaku said.
Meanwhile, Gazment Bardhi highlighted Montenegro’s approach of engaging the opposition, Parliament and other stakeholders in discussions on the European agenda well before it is officially brought before lawmakers.
“Integration does not belong to a single government; it is a national project. Only a process that is open, transparent and inclusive can build trust and deliver lasting reforms. This is the example Montenegro provides, and it is the standard Albania should adopt,” he added.
/sm/
