The two ministers discussed cooperation in border management, the fight against organised crime and coordination in addressing shared European security challenges.

In a post on social media on Friday, Lamallari described Austria as an important partner for Albania’s European integration path and efforts to enhance public security.

“Partnership with Austria remains important on our path toward European integration and in guaranteeing greater security for our citizens,” Lamallari said.

He also noted that Albania was increasingly becoming a preferred destination for Austrian tourists and investors, highlighting the growing economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

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Asked about the migration routes during a joint press conference with the Prime Minister Edi Rama, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz after the Berlin Process Summit in the Albanian capital earlier today, the EC President acknowledged that participants in today’s Summit discussed the possible migration crisis briefly as it was not the topic of the gathering, but it was definitely part of the discussions.

“We are indeed monitoring the migration routes to the European Union, routes that run through the Western Balkans,” she said.

“Seen from the European Union’s point of view, I can say that we have addressed the matter of internal rules, meaning that we have finalized the migration and asylum pact. These are the EU’s internal rules, but we are on good path, as we have agreed on this rules and the crisis management,” von der Leyen said.

“The second part is the operational one. I can say we are very practical in this respect. We are closely working with the Western Balkan countries to strengthen borders under accords with Frontex – and not with every country, but with some of them. In addition to the legal aspect within the EU, we will start involving the Western Balkan countries in the daily operational work on migration management on our external borders,” EC President added.

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