The two officials reviewed political developments in Albania, Kosovo and the wider region, as well as shared European integration priorities.

Hoxha said the exchange focused on current dynamics in Kosovo following the electoral process and Albania’s progress into the final phase of its European Union accession negotiations.

He underlined the importance of close coordination between Tirana and Pristina in order to advance shared interests and strengthen bilateral ties.

“As Kosovo is in the process of analysing election results for the formation of new institutions and Albania has entered the final phase of EU accession negotiations, the exchange of ideas, analysis and approaches, as well as close coordination, remain key to advancing our mutual interests,” Hoxha said.

He added that Albania and Kosovo should continue to act in a coordinated manner in order to strengthen their strategic partnership and support long-term development and European integration goals.

The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen political, economic and diplomatic cooperation and align more closely with Euro-Atlantic structures.

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Addressing the panel International Community and WB, Foreign Minister noted that “there is disappointment in the region about the failure of EU to deliver on its promise and advance the integration of Albania and North Macedonia, but there is also commitment to continue on the path of reforms and cooperation.”

Xhaçka put emphasis on the importance of reforms launched in Albania as part of the integrating and transformation processes, while likening the national lockdowns due to the pandemic to the isolation of the Western Balkan countries due to EU failure to make a decision on the EU enlargement.

“European Union should be aware, like we are, that cost of isolation of the Western Balkans is far higher than cost of integration,” she stated.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, foreign ministers of EU member states and representatives of international organizations attended the Forum.

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