Hoxha made the remarks at a meeting of the Adriatic Charter foreign ministers, hosted by Croatia, where he called for strengthening the regional mechanism in response to emerging security challenges and for more inclusive regional cooperation.

“Kosovo’s application for membership has been pending for far too long. Progress on this issue would strengthen regional cohesion and our collective ability to address common security challenges,” Hoxha said.

More than two decades after its creation, the Adriatic Charter remains an important pillar of regional security and Euro-Atlantic cooperation, he said.

Foreign Minister Hoxha highlighted cyber threats, energy security and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) as challenges requiring greater effectiveness from the Charter, alongside deeper and broader regional cooperation.

He also stressed the importance of inclusiveness, saying security in the Western Balkans required the full integration of all countries and societies in regional mechanisms for cooperation and shared responsibility.

“Long-term stability can only be achieved when all countries and societies in the region are fully integrated into the framework of cooperation, security and shared responsibility on which our common future rests,” Hoxha said.

A more open, stronger and more inclusive Adriatic Charter, capable of adapting to emerging challenges, would contribute to a safer Western Balkans and a shared Euro-Atlantic future, he added.

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During his speech, Vengu highlighted both inherited challenges and emerging threats in the region, emphasizing the need for closer partnership, investment in human capital, cybersecurity, industry, equipment, and joint systems.

“The Western Balkans still face many inherited challenges and new threats, which require closer partnership, investment in human capital, cybersecurity, industry, equipment, and joint systems,” Vengu said in a social media post.

He added that, with the United States, the regional initiative serves as a crucial platform to foster more effective cooperation to enhance the resilience of all participating countries.

In this context, Vengu stressed that Kosovo’s membership in the Adriatic Charter (A5) is a strategic necessity.

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Speaking from the UN headquarters in New York, Begaj said the anniversary was a reminder of the founding vision of the United Nations – a world where dialogue, peace, and cooperation prevail over conflict and division.

“Let us choose cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over division, and solidarity over indifference,” Begaj told the General Assembly.

He reiterated Albania’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, condemned Russia’s ongoing aggression, and endorsed diplomatic efforts toward a sustainable peace.

“For nearly four years, the credibility of our organization has been tested by Russia’s war in Ukraine,” he said, denouncing recent attacks and provocations against NATO allies. He also praised past diplomatic initiatives, including those by the U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at securing lasting peace with full respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Begaj urged the international community to support Kosovo’s bid for UN membership, saying the country has proven itself as a responsible and democratic member of the international community.

“Seventeen years after its declaration of independence, Kosovo has demonstrated its commitment to peace, regional cooperation, and democratic values,” he said. “Its absence from this Assembly remains an injustice.”

He added that recognizing Kosovo’s independence and supporting its membership in the UN and other international organizations would strengthen peace and stability in the Western Balkans.

On the Middle East, Begaj called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and urgent humanitarian access. He expressed Albania’s support for efforts led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to reach a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Palestine.

Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s strategic goal of EU membership, aiming to complete accession negotiations by 2027 and achieve full membership by 2030.

He emphasized the need to place youth and gender equality at the center of national strategies, saying Albania is proud of its democratic transformation and progress in women’s empowerment.

“Societies flourish when individual freedoms are protected, women and youth are empowered, and diversity is embraced as strength,” he said.

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In his closing remarks, Proda emphasized that no barriers should obstruct collaboration in tackling global criminal threats.

“We have a noble and difficult mission: to fight crime and ensure order and security for our citizens,” he said.

Proda stressed that making Kosovo’s Police a full SEPCA member is a must for regional stability.

“Crime knows no borders or colors. Neither should we. The law is our guide, and citizens are our greatest asset,” he stated.

Calling for increased law enforcement cooperation, Proda urged participants to support Kosovo’s full membership in SEPCA, saying: “The organization is missing a vital member. I hope Kosovo will soon join not as a guest, but as a full participant.”

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DP chairman Basha said via a post on the social media on Monday that key decisions will be made this week on two critical matters with far-reaching implications for regional stability and international relations.

Basha said that PACE will decide on Kosovo’s Council of Europe membership bid and will discuss his bold proposal to appropriate Russian state assets, followed by their allocation toward reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.

“The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will decide this week over Kosovo’s membership bid. The matter will subject to discussions at the parliamentary committees and political groups, whereas parliamentary delegations from 46 countries will vote on Kosovo’s accession to the Council of Europe,” Basha said.

He also said that his proposal on confiscation of the Russian assets and their use for Ukraine’s reconstruction will go through vote in PACE.

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“Congratulations to Kosovo for being invited from PACE Political Affairs and Democracy Committee to join the Council of Europe,” Foreign Minister Hasani said in a post on the social media platform X.

Foreign Minister said that today’s recommendation is a result of Kosova’s continuous commitment to the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

“We expect that the April session of the Parliamentary Assembly will pave the way for the last step of the membership process of Kosovo in the Council of Europe,” Hasani said.

The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy voted on Wednesday to adopt a ‘statutory opinion’ recommending that Kosovo’s application for membership of the human rights organisation should be accepted.

Kosovo delegation members confirmed that 31 Council of Europe states voted in favour, four against and one abstained.

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