The meetings with Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas and Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė focused on advancing EU membership negotiations, ensuring European security, and deepening NATO cooperation. Discussions also highlighted strengthening bilateral ties in areas like cyber defense and tourism.

Peleshi reaffirmed Albania’s ongoing commitment to regional and global security, emphasizing tangible NATO contributions such as the deployment of Albanian troops to the Baltic states.

He also expressed Albania’s unwavering stance in support of Ukraine and strengthening Euro-Atlantic security.

During his remarks, Olekas highlighted that EU enlargement, security, and competitiveness will anchor the Lithuanian EU Presidency from January to June 2027. He reaffirmed Lithuania’s steadfast support for Albania, praising its rapid, merit-based progress. Additionally, the Speaker of the Seimas lauded Albania’s backing of Ukraine and its vital role in regional stability, while welcoming ongoing Lithuanian support for a proposed NATO Summit in Tirana.

During their meeting, Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi and Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė discussed Albania’s pivotal position in the European integration process, building on the positive milestones of the May 26 Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference. Peleshi expressed deep gratitude for Lithuania’s steadfast backing and its unwavering vision for an expanded European Union.

PM Ruginienė praised Albania’s significant progress on the path towards EU membership and reiterated that enlargement will be one of the main priorities of the Lithuanian Presidency of the European Union.

She emphasized that enlargement is closely related to the security, unity, strength and prosperity of Europe, while security and defense remain priority areas for deepening cooperation between the two countries.

In Vilnius, Peleshi met with the Western Balkans Parliamentary Friendship Group to advance cooperation between the Albanian Assembly and the Lithuanian Seimas. They highlighted that integrating the Western Balkans into the EU is a strategic investment for the peace, stability and security of the entire continent, bringing mutual added value to the Union.

The visit to Vilnius highlighted the excellent relations between Albania and Lithuania, and our shared commitment to deepening political, parliamentary, and economic cooperation in pursuit of European goals. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./