In his opening remarks at the Foreign Ministers’ meeting of the Central European Initiative (CEI) in Tirana, Foreign Minister pointed out Albania’s active role in regional cooperation during its presidency of the CEI and other key initiatives.

“Albania has had the privilege of chairing several important presidencies this year, allowing us to engage with regional partners on key issues,” Hasani said. Albania has overseen the presidency of the Central European Initiative, the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, and other initiatives aimed at fostering regional cooperation.

Hasani added that Albania has also successfully held the chairmanship of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

Foreign Minister Hasani also reiterated Albania’s support for Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression, stressing Albania’s continued efforts to aid Ukraine through regional initiatives like CEI and support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Albania’s presidency has been about practical measures to strengthen regional cooperation. This includes focusing on connectivity, people-to-people contacts, and fostering ties in key sectors like culture, tourism, and economy,” Hasani explained.

Hasani noted Albania’s success in opening the first EU negotiation cluster in October, becoming the third country in the Western Balkans to do so. He reaffirmed that Albania’s EU path remains a priority, with a commitment to opening more chapters in the near future.

“Albania is focused on continuing its advancement in the EU integration process,” he said, while also welcoming the European Council’s decision to open membership talks for Ukraine, Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He said that these decisions signal Europe’s commitment to its neighbors, including the Western Balkans.

Foreign Minister concluded by affirming Albania’s commitment to regional stability and European integration, expressing pride in the achievements of its CEI presidency.

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In the opening speech of the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Central European Initiative (CEI), which is being held in Tirana, within the framework of the Albanian presidency of this initiative, Hasani highlighted the cooperation that has been offered to Albania by all the member states to fulfill obligations during this important mandate.

He emphasized that Albania’s objectives are aligned with the essential mandate of this initiative.

“At the core of our approach is the commitment to promote good neighborly relations, regional cooperation and finally to advance a vision of a peaceful, strong and stable Europe. Here, Albania actually remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, especially in light of the ongoing Russian aggression, and we will continue to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its European aspirations,” Hasani said.

The chief diplomat added that the initiative brings together EU member states, but also EU candidate states, offering a unique space for dialogue, for exchanges of the best and mutual practices.

“One of Albania’s priorities at the chair of the CEI, said Hasani, has been to advance the European integration of the Western Balkans.

“We warmly welcome the European Council’s decision to open membership talks even for Ukraine, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Moldova. We firmly believe that these decisions send a strong signal for Europe’s commitment to its neighbors”, said Hasani.

The minister emphasized that we must work together to prevent enlargement fatigue and ensure that the enlargement process remains in the right and comprehensive direction for all candidate countries.

Hasani also emphasized that, in the face of geopolitical challenges, Albania has been a strong advocate for peace and stability.

“We strongly condemned Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine. Ukraine is an important member of the CEI and we have been working alongside our partners to support Ukraine’s efforts to overcome the devastating consequences of this war,” he said.

He stated that beyond the geopolitical landscape, the Albanian Presidency has focused on practical measures to strengthen regional cooperation.

“We have put special emphasis on increasing people-to-people contacts, promoting academic and professional exchanges and promoting cooperation in sectors such as culture, transport, tourism and of course the economy,” Hasani said.

He brought the example of the activity in Vlora that brought together experts and civil servants from CEI and members of the South East European cooperation program to discuss sustainable cross-border connectivity, as well as efficient logistics in the region.

Hasani emphasized that, “The Albanian Presidency of the CEI has successfully completed all its obligations and I am proud of the significant achievements we have reached”.

This success has been the result of the collective effort of all of us, Hasani said, as he conveyed his best wishes to Serbia as it prepares to take over the next CEI Presidency./p.s./

Albanian parliament delegation included Etjen Xhafaj, as head of delegation, and opposition MP Albana Vokshi as member.

In his remarks at the meeting, Socialist lawmaker Xhafaj affirmed commitment of Albanian parliament to contribute to CEI’s parliamentary dimension to create new institutions.

Opposition lawmaker Vokshi voiced support for the recommendations issued during the meetings of the conventions.

“Albania fully supports membership of Western Balkan countries, Moldova and Ukraine. In this context, we support the European Commission’s decision to open negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova,” she said.

“Albania remains a steadfast supporter of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. We call for the CEI member states to support faster accession of Western Balkans to the European Union according to the merit of each country,” Vokshi said.

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The gathering takes place under Albanian Presidency of the Central European Initiative and it was attended by the Deputy Parliament Speaker Ermonela Felaj, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, the Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mimi Kodheli, the head of the Albanian Delegation and acting president of the CEI Parliamentary Dimension, Etjen Xhafaj, CEI Deputy Secretary General, Zsuzsanna Kiraly, as well as representatives from the countries in the region.

The CEI Parliamentary Dimension President, Etjen Xhafaj, called on the EU member states participating in CEI to support progress of the candidate countries on the path towards European Union membership.

In her remarks, the Deputy Speaker Ermonela Felaj noted that taking over the CEI Presidency on the 35th year of the organization is a huge responsibility, but also a great opportunity for Albania to reaffirm the vision, contribution and commitment to regional cooperation, peace, security and the European perspective of Albania and other countries aspiring to join the European family.

The chairwoman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs Mimi Kodheli underlined that EU accession is a top national priority, saying that Albania is strongly committed to pressing ahead with reform efforts.

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In a reaction on the X social media platform, Foreign Minister Igli Hasani wrote that, “While Albania takes over the leadership of the CEI, we remain committed to advancing the CEI’s goals for regional cooperation and EU integration”.

He expressed gratitude to Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova Nicu Popescu for the extraordinary work of the Moldovan CEI Presidency.

” As Albania assumes the Central European Initiative presidency, we remain committed to advance CEI’s mission and goals in fostering regional cooperation, EU integration and sustainable development. Kudos to FM Nicu Popescu for Moldova’s CEI Presidency outstanding work in supporting EU integration of CEI candidate countries,” emphasized Hasani. /p.s./