“President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Serbia is important. Dialogue is always welcome, particularly when it creates space to address difficult issues with clarity, responsibility and sensitivity,” the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The Ministry reaffirmed Albania’s firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and European future, while maintaining the same support for Kosovo’s sovereignty, independence and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

“There should be no misunderstanding on this point: any attempt to draw a parallel or create an equation between Kosovo and any other international situation is wrong, opportunistic and profoundly misleading,” the Ministry said.

It said Kosovo’s case is rooted in its own historical, political and legal circumstances, citing a 2010 opinion by the International Court of Justice that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not violate international law.

“Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an entirely different matter. It constitutes a grave violation of the U.N. Charter and international law, as well as a flagrant breach of the rules-based international order,” the Foreign Ministry stated.

Foreign Ministry underlined a peaceful, stable and European Western Balkans required recognition of the “reality and irreversibility” of Kosovo’s independence, which it said had contributed to regional stability.

At the same time, the Ministry said Serbia and Kosovo share a European future and that normalising relations between them, ultimately leading to mutual recognition, would benefit both sides.

“Normalisation would not weaken Serbia. On the contrary, it would help close one of the most painful chapters in the recent history of our region and pave the way for genuine reconciliation, good-neighbourly relations and lasting peace,” the Ministry said.

Foreign Ministry also welcomed Zelenskyy ‘s visit as advancing Ukraine’s interests and said any step that helped Serbia move further away from Russia’s malign influence and closer to Europe was positive.

“Every engagement is also an opportunity to advance a fundamental understanding: the Western Balkans must move forward, not backward,” the Ministry said.

The statement came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed during a visit to Belgrade a day ago that Ukraine’s policy on the non-recognition of Kosovo remains unchanged.

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The Head of State reaffirmed Albania’s support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, recovery and European integration of Ukraine.

“Albania has been unwavering in its support for Ukraine. We stand in support of your independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within your internationally recognized borders. We also support the achievement of a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace, which abides by the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the legitimate rights of the Ukrainian people”, emphasized the Head of State.

The messages that the President of the Republic conveyed at the summit focused on promotion of cooperation for security and stability in the face of common threats; in support of the transparent and sustainable recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine as well as in advancing the European perspective of Ukraine and our region, seeing enlargement as a strategic investment for peace, stability and a common European future.

In the presence of the leaders of South-East Europe participating in the Kyiv Summit and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President Begaj said that support for Ukraine should be followed by concrete steps.

“Our support, emphasized President Begaj, must go beyond declarations. It must be rendered into practical cooperation. This is why today’s Summit is important. It allows us to strengthen political coordination, deepen regional solidarity and identify concrete areas for joint action.”

The Summit closed with a joint declaration where the leaders reaffirmed the solidarity of the countries of South-East Europe with Ukraine and assessed its security as part of the security of all of Europe.

During the ceremonies for the Statehood Day of Ukraine, President Begaj honored the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

“On ​​this solemn day, let us also honor the courage of the Ukrainian people who continue to demonstrate extraordinary strength in the face of suffering. Their resilience is an inspiration to all those who believe in freedom and justice,” said the President of the Republic.

During his stay in Kyiv, President Begaj also held a one-on-one meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation, support for Ukraine in recovery, security and economic development, as well as opportunities for new agreements.

President Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s full solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries. /p.s./

The meeting was held on the eve of France’s Bastille Day celebrations on July 14 and brought together heads of state and government to discuss coordination of international support for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also attended the summit.

PM Rama shared images on social media from Macron’s official reception and his meetings with several participating leaders.

Prime Minister’s participation reaffirmed Albania’s support for Ukraine and its commitment to international law, as well as to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in close coordination with its Euro-Atlantic allies and partners.

Rama is also due to attend France’s official Bastille Day ceremony on July 14 at Macron’s invitation.

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Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi and Deputy Minister of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine Serhiy Derkach signed the relevant agreement.

Minister Karakaçi said that this agreement is expected to accelerate the transport and transit activity of goods and passengers.

Aligning with the updated EU-Ukraine road transport agreement will significantly improve logistics and strengthen international trade relations. /p.s./

Reacting on social media, Hoxha condemned the threat against embassies as a blatant act of intimidation.

“This represents a severe violation of international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” Hoxha stated.

Albania will not withdraw; we remain in Kyiv and stand firmly with Ukraine,” stated Minister Hoxha, adding that the nation will not be intimidated.

He emphasized that the response to the conflict cannot be further violence or indiscriminate attacks on civilians. Instead, he urged an immediate end to the unjust war and a commitment to genuine, good-faith peace negotiations.

This message was conveyed to the Russian Ambassador in Tirana today. /m.m/a.f/p.s./

At the centre of the event was the exhibition “Ukrainian Vyshyvanka, Albanian Xhubleta: Traditions Through Time,” featuring a family collection by Ukrainian folk art master Darina Stasiuk alongside the Albanian xhubleta, bell-shaped folk skirt worn by women in northern Albania, presented by Albanian artisan Edlira Sulaj at the exhibition of traditional costumes “Ukrainian embroidery.”

The exhibition highlighted cultural dialogue between Ukraine and Albania and underscored the importance of preserving national traditions and spiritual heritage. This dialogue of cultures showed once again just how close nations can be through respect for their history, traditions, and human memory.

Among those attending the ceremony were Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja, parliament deputy speaker Klodiana Spahiu, representatives of the diplomatic corps, Albanian institutions, international organisations, academia, religious communities, civil society and members of the Ukrainian community in Albania.

Organisers expressed gratitude to Stasiuk and Sulaj for their contribution to promoting traditional dress and strengthening cultural diplomacy through art and heritage.

The artistic programme featured performances by singer Albana Bajraktari and the youth dance ensemble of the National Theatre under the direction of Sokol Marsi.

The event conveyed a message that traditions represent not only a link to the past, but also a bridge of communication, respect and solidarity between peoples in the modern world.

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Writing on social media platform X, Hoxha said the two held a “had a fruitful and substantive exchange on the latest developments in Ukraine, ongoing efforts to bring an end to Russia’s unjust war of aggression, and the broader European security landscape.”

“Albania has stood firmly with Ukraine from the very first day of Russia’s brutal aggression, and we will continue to support Ukraine with unwavering commitment, in every possible way,” Hoxha stated.

According to Hoxha, he and his Ukrainian counterpart also exchanged views on their respective European Union accession paths and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the enlargement process.

Their talks also covered bilateral relations and upcoming engagements, including the June ministerial meeting in Tirana, reaffirming what Foreign Minister described as close cooperation and a shared commitment to peace, security and regional stability.

Hoxha added that diplomacy “is not confined to formal meeting rooms” but “takes place everywhere, even while waiting for the next flight to the next engagement.”

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In a post on social media platform X, Hoxha said drone and missile strikes had hit civilian targets, causing casualties, including children.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s latest wave of attacks against Ukraine, in which drones and missiles struck civilian areas, causing the tragic loss of innocent lives, including children,” Hoxha said in his statement.

Foreign Minister expressed solidarity with the victims, the injured and their families, who he said continue to endure the devastating human toll of what he described as an unjustified war.

He said repeated and indiscriminate strikes on civilians and critical infrastructure were unacceptable and violated international humanitarian law.

“These repeated and persisting indiscriminate attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure are unacceptable and constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law. They must cease immediately,” Hoxha said.

Hoxha reiterated Albania’s unwavering support for Ukraine and called for increased international pressure on Russia.

“Albania reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine and its brave people. Sustained international support for Ukraine, increased pressure on Russia to stop, and full accountability for all violations of international law remain essential to protect civilians and uphold peace, security in Europe,” he said.

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During the press conference on the eve of Tuesday’s friendly match versus Ukraine in Valencia, the red and blacks coach emphasized that he expects a tough match, citing the opponent’s high quality.

“We are anticipating a challenging and intense encounter. While Ukraine boasts a side with vast experience, we have a hungry squad eager to prove themselves on the international stage”, he said.

Sylvinho underlined that he views this match not merely as a friendly, but as a strategic opportunity to solidify the squad and maximize performance.

” For us, every match is competitive. We will rotate a few players, but our tactical structure will stay strong”, he said.

The coach acknowledged the painful nature of the loss to Poland, but argued it should not be seen as a total failure.

“When you lose, it seems like everything has gone wrong, but it is not like that. We have a very important match ahead and we have to react,” he said.

The friendly match between Ukraine and Albania will be played on March 31, at 20:45. /gj.m/j.p/r.e/p.s./

The squad was split into two groups, with players involved in the match focusing on recovery and gym work, while substitutes and those with limited minutes completed a full training session.

The team is scheduled to travel later on Friday to Valencia, where they will face Ukraine national football team in a friendly on March 31 at 20:45 local time.

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