TIRANA, Nov 2 /ATA/ – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi secured renewed Czech support for Albania’s European Union membership bid during an official visit to Prague, Czech Republic, where he held talks with senior lawmakers on strengthening bilateral and parliamentary ties.
Peleshi met Tomio Okamura, speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and Miloš Vystrčil, president of the Czech Senate, as part of a parliamentary diplomacy tour of EU partner countries.
The meetings highlighted strong bilateral relations, underpinned by traditional friendship, continued political dialogue and shared European values. Both sides expressed interest in expanding cooperation, particularly through closer parliamentary ties and exchanges between institutions, as well as stronger links in the economy, tourism and education.
Peleshi welcomed the Czech Republic’s continued support for Albania’s EU accession and its backing for a merit-based enlargement process, stressing that political support from member states was particularly important at this critical stage of negotiations.
He said Albania remains committed to implementing the necessary reforms and achieving its strategic goal of EU membership.
The talks also addressed the European prospects of the Western Balkans and the role of the Visegrad Group countries in supporting the region’s integration. Both sides stressed the importance of parliamentary coordination in keeping EU enlargement high on Europe’s political agenda.
On bilateral parliamentary cooperation, Peleshi called for more frequent contacts between parliamentary leaders, committees and friendship groups. He welcomed the resumption of activities by the Czech-Albanian Friendship Group in the Chamber of Deputies and expressed interest in expanding exchanges, particularly between committees dealing with European affairs and foreign policy.
The two sides also highlighted opportunities to share institutional expertise and best practices, and to strengthen links between citizens and local communities.
They reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation, underlining the role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting peace, security and stability in the region.
A more integrated and cooperative Western Balkans, they said, was in the common interest of the region and essential to a more united and secure Europe.
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