Ministers of Agriculture from the SEE countries expressed their will to strengthen the cooperation between the countries, not only in the drafting of regional strategies, but also in the creation of appropriate administrative and financial mechanisms, to further develop the rural area.

In this context, they agreed on the significance of the common agricultural policy of the European Union (CAP), not only as a catalyst of development for EU countries, but also for Albania.

In her opening remarks, Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Frida Krifca acquainted the ministers with Albania’s objectives for the Presidency during 2022, emphasizing the latter’s priorities such as the Green Agenda, Regional and European cooperation, cross-border cooperation, and the inclusion of young people and women in entrepreneurship.

Minister Krifca also stressed that IPARD funds have helped transform Albanian agriculture into a promoter of development, formalization and standardization in EU approximation.

Further on, the discussion focused on the application of technology, assessing it as the future of agriculture and rural development in all countries.

Evaluating the positive results of the mandate of the Republic of Serbia in the presidency of this assembly, Krifca expressed the full will of Albania to further concretize policies in favor of increasing regional trade and beyond. /j.p/p.s./