The committee first reviewed the draft law “On the accession of the Republic of Albania to the Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).”

This draft law was presented by Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro, who said that the initiative in question is a decision-making by the Albanian government to join the most important organization that deals with the protection of nature.

“We are taking cooperation to a higher level by joining as a state. The organization has 170 participating countries, which aim to protect nature and biodiversity. This organization has international experts dealing with the environment, ecosystem protection. The benefits are not merely a matter of prestige to increase Albania’s presence when it comes to the protection of biodiversity in the most well-known organization, but also IUCN through its status, gives us the opportunity to develop cooperation projects in order for Albania to benefit from this global environment fund,” said Kumbaro.

The rapporteur of the case, Hatixhe Konomi, underlined that the proposed draft law is very necessary as it concerns the protection of the environment. “it would be beneficial for Albania to overcome obstacles with the aim of ensuring sustainable development. The level of expertise is very high, and in addition, Albania would also benefit financial support,” Konomi said.

After questions and discussions, the committee approved in principle, article by article and in its entirety the draft law in question.

The meeting of the Committee for Foreign Policy proceeded with the review of the draft law “On the ratification of the loan agreement, between the Republic of Albania and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, for the financing of the project “Climate resilience and the development of agriculture.”

The draft law was presented by the general director of Agriculture Policies and Programs, Food Security and Rural Development, Irfan Tarelli, who said that this legal initiative aims to achieve several major objectives for the development of the agricultural and rural sector in the country.

After questions and discussions, the Foreign Policy Committee approved in principle, article by article and in its entirety the draft law in question.

/r.e/sm/