Von der Leyen will visit Tirana, Prishtina, Podgorica and Skopje from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, meeting the countries’ presidents and prime ministers and visiting EU-funded projects, European Commission spokesperson Arianna Podesta said, Radio Free Europe reported.

Podesta said Von der Leyen planned to visit Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina at a later date, ahead of parliamentary and general elections in the two countries.

The trip will be Von der Leyen’s sixth visit to the region and has become a regular fixture ahead of the European Commission’s annual progress reports on EU candidate countries.

“As the president said at the June summit, our Union will not be complete without the Western Balkans,” Podesta said. She added that Von der Leyen would discuss with regional partners the steps needed on their path to EU membership and the gradual integration process supported by the Western Balkans Growth Plan.

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Vengu met at the camp with the commander and the leadership team of the mission.

“Albania is and will be wherever the European Union and the NATO operate to guarantee peace and stability,” Vengu emphasized in a post in the social media.

Vengu expressed his commitment to increasing Albania’s contribution in building capacities emphasizing that, “This will ensure that Albanian troops have optimal conditions during their service.”

“The Albanian flag flies proudly alongside the NATO and European Union flags,” Vengu wrote.

Over the years, Albania has built a successful and worthy history in international engagements, as a NATO member country and a reliable partner within the European Union.

Its participation in European Union missions, such as EUFOR “Althea” and the one in Mali, has proven the professionalism, discipline and dedication of the Armed Forces.

Albanian servicemen joined the European Union Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina in February of the current year. /k.s/j.p/r.e/p.s./

He pointed at Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina that did not vote on the final document.

“It was voted by the majority of SEECP member states. But, it was rejected by Serbia and Bosnia, which have their right not to adopt the joint declaration”, said Begaj.

Regarding Kosovo, Begaj stated that, “We agreed that the matter of sanctions imposed on Kosovo is unjust; it is a matter that should have been resolved a long time ago. Tomorrow is too late because sanctions were not imposed on Kosovo politicians, the sanctions were imposed on the citizens of Kosovo and their good public services”.

Asked if the sanctions part will be part of the joint declaration, Begaj said that, “There is an additional declaration, which is recorded in the protocol, which is made based on all international laws, sponsored by Prishtina”.

Regarding Serbia’s claims, Begaj said, “Belgrade and Sarajevo had their claims on security-related issues. But, I think that security is not only within our home. Security is a more widespread term and definition and what is happening in the world today is a threat to stability not only where it happens, but for all countries in the world”.

“We have understood very well what happened with the unjustified Russian aggression against Ukraine, which brought, above all, problems, not only for the countries involved in the conflict, but also for other countries due to the disruption of the food supply chain”, said Begaj.

The SEECP Summit was held today in Tirana under chair of President Begaj, with the participation of regional leaders. /r.e/j.p/p.s./

Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu stated today that, “The young people of the Armed Forces export security and confirm Albania as an important actor for stability in the region”.

Minister Vengu shared the story of Corporal Evis Dishani and Major Lulzim Adili, who are among the 30 troops sent to Bosnia and Herzegovina within the framework of the EUFOR ALTHEA mission.

The commander of the first team of the EUFOR 1 contingent Evis Dishani said that the selection of the soldiers on this mission was based on personal and professional skills acquired over the years.

“I have 12 years of experience in the Armed Forces and this is the second mission that I serve in uniform. We have been training for about two months focusing on the tasks we will be carrying out there, such as crowd control and patrolling the entire territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. So far, I can say that the troops are well-trained and we will succeed,” said Corporal Deshani and Major Adili.

“Morale among the troops on this mission is high. We have been serving for many years and we have often been asked to engage in such tasks. It is a great privilege and responsibility to lead 30 troops on this mission. I have attended by myself the deployment training, hence I think that we will not have any problems,” said Corporal Deshani in the video shared on Facebook. /a.f/r.e/p.s./

A unit from the Light Infantry Battalion of the Albanian Ground Forces will join the operation for the first time, expanding beyond Albania’s usual contribution of staff officers.

The Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani, Turkish Ambassador Tayyar Kağan Atay, and EU Chargé d’Affaires Andre Rizzo, Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, and the Commander of the Land Force, Major General Ilir Xhebexhia attended a departure ceremony at the Zall Herr barracks in Tirana on Tuesday.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Defense Minister noted that Albania has significantly enhanced its participation in the international missions, aligning with the EU policies. Hi highlighted Albania’s permanent deployment of 500 personnel in global missions.

“Albania’s Armed Forces permanent deployment has grown to 500 servicemen in international missions throughout Europe, Africa and Middle East. This is proof that Albania is not just aligned with the EU’s security policy,” Vengu said, highlighting Albania’s growing responsibility amid EU withdrawals.

Defense Minister expressed gratitude to Turkish government and Armed Forces, as Albanian contingent will serve under the Turkish command.

Turkish Ambassador underlined the longtime defense collaboration between the two countries, serving together in Afghanistan and described the new operation as another milestone in the strong Albanian-Turkish military cooperation.

The EU Chargé d’Affaires Andre Rizzo hailed Albania’s full alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policies, considering the country an important partner in the global security environment.

The first Albanian team in the ALTHEA mission, including one female soldier, will serve for six months at Camp Butmir in Sarajevo, further solidifying Albania’s role in ensuring regional peace and stability.

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Director Ardit Bido held a meeting with the representative of the Bosnian Archives Hajrudin Ćuprija, as well as with a group of specialists from the sister-like institution, who had the opportunity to get acquainted with the digitization process at the General Directorate of the Archives.

During this meeting, which takes place a few months after signing of the bilateral cooperation agreement, the parties emphasized the necessity of building bridges to exchange knowledge, experiences and documents of mutual interest.

During their stay, the visitors had the opportunity to see moments from the work of the Digitization Sector, which, by scanning so far about 20 million documents, has guaranteed the optimal integrity of archival materials and putting them into service, according to the rhythm of the digital era. /r.e/p.s./

The representatives of the “Albanian Community in Bosnia-Herzegovina” association shared with President Begaj concerns about the full respect of human rights as a minority in Sarajevo and Mostar.

President Begaj appreciated the natural integration of the Albanian community in the society of Bosnia-Herzegovina, pledging to address their concerns.

The reopening of the respective embassies from both countries was considered good news for the assistance it will provide to this community.

Albanians in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not included in the three ethnic groups with the right of representation in decision-making and this categorization penalizes them from participating in politics, in local and central structures.

President Begaj said during the conversation with the Albanian community that he raised this concern during the meetings he held with the current President of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the members of the Presidency and the Prime Minister of the country.

Also, President Begaj praised the efforts to preserve the language, traditions, and national identity, while assuring that he will stand by the Albanians in Bosnia and Herzegovina so that they can enjoy these rights, just like the Bosnian and Serb minorities in Albania. /j.p/p.s./

The talks focused on intensification of bilateral relations, which will now be revived with the reopening of the respective embassies, as well as security and cooperation issues in the region, the guidelines of the Berlin Process, European integration and NATO.

“This is my first official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina and from the meeting we held I am convinced that our traditionally friendly relations and existing cooperation will develop even further in the future”, – stated President of the Republic while reconfirming Albania’s readiness to further promote cooperation at the bilateral and regional level.

President Begaj emphasized that Albania unequivocally supports the sovereignty, territorial integrity, social cohesion, as well as progress on the Euro-Atlantic path of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the face of threats in the region, President Begaj confirmed Albania’s consolidated policies for strengthening peace, security and regional stability, guaranteeing the continuation of the contribution to the EUFOR-ALTHEA mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“We will remain vocal and opposed to any destabilizing efforts and separatist rhetoric”, – said the president, reaffirming his support for the Dayton agreement.

In regard to the recent summit of Berlin Process, President Begaj emphasized the significance of regional integration and acceleration of European integration, while he asked Bosnia and Herzegovina to review its stance towards Kosovo.

“We would appreciate the commitment of Bosnia and Herzegovina in recognizing the documents of Kosovo and removing the visa regime for the citizens of Kosovo”, – said the president.

Describing the membership of the Western Balkans in the EU as the only alternative for the security and development of our region, President Begaj expressed his readiness to share Albania’s experience in the European journey with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

President Begaj also emphasized the fact that Albania, as a NATO ally, supports the “Open Doors” policies.

As far as economic cooperation is concerned, Begaj said that during the meeting they had discussed on the faster advancement with road infrastructure projects, including the Blue Corridor and the Adriatic-Ionian gas pipeline.

During his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the President of the Republic paid special attention to the Albanian community living there. The Head of State emphasized that, “Bosnia and Herzegovina is home of an Albanian community integrated into the society where they live and contribute”.

There were also discussed topics to address their demands for the preservation of language, traditions, national identity and history in reciprocity with the treatment of Bosniaks and Serbs in Albania.

During the visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, President Begaj held separate meetings with Prime Minister Borjana Krišto and the Speakers of the Houses of the People and Representatives in the Parliamentary Assembly. /m.m/j.p/p.s./

Albania has launched aid within the framework of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, the Media and Information Agency said today.

The aid is coordinated by the Ministry of Defense and the National Civil Defense Agency and this is evidence of Albania’s solidarity and commitment to being close to its partners in times of crisis.

Twelve EU countries have sent emergency supplies and deployed search and rescue teams to Bosnia and Herzegovina after the deadly floods.

Emergency support is provided through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, a platform for coordinating and sharing emergency resources.

Albania, Turkey, Hungary, Montenegro and Romania have sent shelter kits, while Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Serbia have already deployed search and rescue teams there.

The mountain village of Jabllanica, approximately 30 kilometers north of the city of Mostar, was the worst affected. /p.s./

To this end, a meeting took place in Tirana between the Vice Director of General Directorate of Road Transport Services, Endri Haxhiu, and the Head of the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina (IDDEEA), Almir Badnjević.

The meeting focused on an important initiative on technical implementation of the electronic exchange of driving license data between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania, aimed at facilitating and improving the exchange of information between the two countries, in a bid to improve road safety, curb forgery and illegal use of driving licenses, as and speed up administrative processes.

The two expressed commitment to continue working together on implementation details and technical aspects of data exchange, an initiative expected to deliver concrete benefits to the citizens of both countries in the field of road safety.

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