Speaking at a news conference, Berisha said he regretted Zelenskyy’s characterisation of Kosovo’s independence as unilateral.

He said the Ukrainian president’s remarks contradict NATO decisions, the Ahtisaari Plan and the positions of major NATO member states, as well as international law.

“The statement openly contradicts the decisions of the major NATO member states. It also openly contradicts international law, as interpreted by the International Court of Justice at the request of Belgrade, which ruled on the legality of Kosovo’s declaration of independence,” Berisha said.

Berisha said the remarks are also “out of any historical context,” citing the support Albania and Kosovo have given Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.

“Albanians are a friendly nation to the Ukrainian people, and in Albania and Kosovo they have fully supported the heroic struggle of the Ukrainian people under President Zelenskyy’s leadership against Russian aggression,” he said.

Berisha said the Democratic Party considered Zelenskyy’s position “completely out of place” and “unacceptable,” but stressed that Albania and Albanians should remain firmly committed to supporting Ukraine against Russia.

“We do not forget this statement and we do not accept it, but there can be no question of changing our position towards Russia’s barbaric aggression or towards the Ukrainian people and nation, who are waging a heroic war in defense of their independence and territorial integrity,” he said.

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Goncharenko was responding to Zelenskyy’s statement that Ukraine had no plans to change its position on Kosovo’s independence, which Kyiv does not recognise.

“This is a diplomatic blunder. The Ukrainians support the independence of Kosovo and we believe that Ukraine MUST recognise the state. I’ll continue fighting for the independence of Kosovo and eventually Ukraine will recognise it,” Goncharenko said in a post on X.

Goncharenko is the initiator of a draft law on the recognition of Kosovo that has been submitted to the Ukrainian parliament.

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“I experienced with gratitude and emotion the high honor of the Order of Saint Olga, First Class, which was awarded by Your Excellency, on the Independence Day of Ukraine”, wrote Spiropali in her letter.

According to the Speaker of Parliament, “This appreciation is above all an expression of respect for the contribution and unwavering stance of Albania by Ukraine in this difficult time”.

“Albanian people, the Parliament and the institutions of Albania have been and remain united and determined in support of Ukraine. This stance stems from the heart of every Albanian citizen, from our belief in freedom, dignity and right of a nation to live independently and to decide its future by itself”, wrote Spiropali.

Further on, Spiropali underlined that Albania has been and will remain a clear and strong voice in defense of Euro-Atlantic democratic principles and values.

“We will continue to stand by Ukraine, as we have done so far. We will support all efforts of the United States, the US President, European leaders, NATO and the democratic world to stop the war and establish a just and lasting peace in Ukraine”, wrote Spiropali.

Spiropali thanked Zelensky for the “extraordinary honor”.

“I wish and firmly believe that very soon we will celebrate the complete victory of Ukraine over the aggressor”, concluded her letter Speaker of the Parliament Elisa Spiropali.

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“Congratulations to Edi Rama and the Socialist Party on the convincing victory in the elections. I wish you every success in serving the Albanian people,” Zelenskyy wrote in a post on the social network X.

“We appreciate your clear and steadfast position on the need for lasting peace for Ukraine that can be achieved through a full and unconditional ceasefire,” Zelenskyy stressed.

“I look forward to further strengthening the friendly relations between our countries, for the benefit of both our nations,” Zelenskyy wrote. /a.f/p.s./

In a post on social media today, Hasani wrote that he held, “Productive meetings in Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Speaker of Parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

FM Hasani wrote that, “We exchanged the ratification instruments of the Agreement of Friendship and Cooperation between Ukraine and Albania, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding focused on collaboration in European integration.”

According to Hasani, “These steps represent important progress in strengthening the relations between our countries and reaffirm our commitment to a robust and enduring partnership.”

FM Hasani concluded by emphasizing that, “Albania stands firmly with Ukraine on its path toward peace, security, and a European future.”/p.s./

Zelenskyy posted photos from the meeting with Rama in the social media providing details of their talks.

“In Croatia, I met with Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama. We discussed the implementation of the Peace Formula, preparations for the second Peace Summit, and Ukraine’s path to the EU and NATO.

Additionally, we spoke about potential mechanisms for Ukraine’s reconstruction. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for the productive dialogue”, said Zelenskyy. /p.s./

Zelenskyy paid his first visit to Albania to co-Chair “Ukraine – Southeast Europe” Summit.

The summit was held as a meeting of solidarity and further engagement of the democratic countries against Russian aggression. The participants discussed ways of cooperation in providing support to Ukraine and contributing to security and stability in the region and Europe.

During the morning, Prime Minister Edi Rama received President Zelenskyy at the Premier’s Office, with whom he held a one-to-one meeting. Further on, there was held the meeting between the delegations and both sides signed the cooperation agreement. /r.e/p.s./

Ukrainian leader noted in a message on the social media platform X that “since the first days of the full-scale invasion, Albania has supported Ukraine in our struggle for freedom and territorial integrity.”

Zelenskyy said that he and Rama discussed Ukraine’s defense needs and potential joint arms production.

“We are grateful to the Albanian government and people. We will never forget Albanian society’s warm attitude toward Ukrainians,” he concluded.

The Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit is taking place in Tirana with participation of Western Balkans and Southeast Europe leaders. The summit is co-hosted by Prime Minister Edi Rama and the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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Rama-Zelenskyy meeting is the first on the busy agenda of the first visit of the Ukrainian leader to Albania and is expected to be followed by talks between the bilateral meeting between the two government delegations and an agreement is scheduled to be signed.

“Welcoming for first time Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, leader of the heroic resistance,” PM Rama said as hosted Zelenskyy at the Prime Minister’s office.

President Zelenskyy is visiting Tirana in the framework of the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit due to take place in the Albanian capital.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will co-host the summit with Prime Minister Edi Rama. Leaders of 13 Southeast Europe countries will participate in the summit.

In a message ahead of the Southeast-Ukraine summit, President Zelenskyy said that bilateral talks with the Prime Minister and his team will focus on defense and political cooperation, support for the Peace Formula, and security agreements.

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“Today I am working in Tirana. I will meet Ukraine’s unwavering friend, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, and attend the Ukraine-South-East Europe summit,” Zelenskyy said.

According to him, “at our bilateral talks with the Prime Minister and his team, we will discuss defense and political cooperation, support for the Peace Formula, and security agreements.”

“Albania is one of the countries that have signed the G7 Vilnius Declaration, which we greatly appreciate,” he added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Tirana late on Tuesday to attend the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit due to take place n the Albanian capital.

Prime Minister Edi Rama hailed Zelenskyy’s visit and the summit as “a moment of pride.”

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