TIRANA, Oct 13 /ATA/- By Maela Marini/ Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Tuesday in Luxembourg that, with the closure of negotiations on Chapter 20 with the EU, Albania had taken another decisive step towards its rightful place in the European Union.
Rama held a joint press conference with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, following the 10th Albania–European Union Intergovernmental Conference.
The Prime Minister said the provisional closure of Chapter 20, which covers enterprise and industrial policy, was further recognition of the reforms implemented by Albania and the ongoing transformation of the country.
He stressed that this was the fourth negotiating chapter to be provisionally closed in just a few months.
The Prime Minister appreciated the support of Ireland’s EU Presidency in the process, adding: “We want to close at least twice as many chapters, so let us work together, Albanians and Irish, and shake this house, let us make it happen.”
Rama also stressed that “we are aware that progress is not measured simply by the number of chapters closed”.
“These are important milestones, there is no doubt about that, but progress is measured above all by the reforms implemented, the strengthening of institutions and the tangible results achieved,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to all EU member states for their trust, support and continued commitment throughout the process.
“We know we still have a long way to go, but we are ready and prepared to succeed. At the same time, I look forward to the next Growth Plan Summit, which will be held alongside the Investment Forum in Tirana. By then, I am hopeful that we will have made further progress and that this progress will receive further recognition,” Prime Minister Rama added.
/r.e/sm/
