President Begaj visits Bratislava: Let's deepen cooperation in energy, tourism and agriculture
The President of the Republic, H.E. Bajram Begaj, paid an official visit to Slovakia at the invitation of his counterpart, Peter Pellegrini.
During the tête-à-tête meeting and then in the expanded meeting between the delegations, the two presidents discussed the advancement of bilateral relations, the European perspective of Albania and the Western Balkans, as well as security challenges as NATO allies.
At the joint press conference, President Begaj praised Slovakia's continued support for Albania's integration process into the European Union, describing it as an important partner and ally in the country's European journey. The Head of State emphasized Albania's progress in the negotiation process and the ambition to conclude the group chapters within the next year, with the strategic objective of full EU membership in 2030.
"Albania has opened all the group chapters for a year, a record time, and aims to close them in 2027 and become part of the European Union as a member in 2030."
"On this occasion, I thank again and we are grateful to both the President and the government, the Slovak state, for all the support it has given to Albania in the process of membership in the European Union, with the conviction that this support will continue even further in the future and will be as strong as now," said the President.
The President assessed that: "The structures of the European Union have recognized and appreciated the progress made by Albania in the deep reforms undertaken, as well as the tangible institutional progress. In this sense, Slovakia, being one of the most important advocates in the process of membership in the European Union for Albania, has helped Albania and has always been present with its expertise. As far as Albania is concerned, Albania has done its duties."
The Head of State appreciated not only the support of Slovak politics, but also of Slovak citizens, who clearly support the EU's enlargement to include the Western Balkan countries.
President Begaj also expressed gratitude for Slovakia's commitment within the "Friends of the Western Balkans" group.
The two presidents confirmed the will to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas of common interest, such as: energy, tourism, agriculture and health, renewable energy and green transition.
They emphasized the need for further institutionalization of cooperation through the implementation of existing agreements and the creation of new partnership instruments.
The recent creation of direct flights between Tirana and Bratislava was seen as an opportunity that will bring our two peoples closer and strengthen the friendship between them.
Regarding the region, President Begaj stressed that the stability of the Western Balkans remains essential for the security of Europe and underlined that the European integration of the region must remain a strategic priority of the European Union. Thanking Slovakia for its presence with troops in KFOR, the Head of State expressed confidence in “a reassessment of its situation regarding Kosovo, at least in not blocking its path to membership in international organizations”.
During his stay in Bratislava, President Begaj also held meetings with Prime Minister Robert Fico and the Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Richard Raši, during which he received full support for Albania's membership in the European Union.
The Head of State honored the victims of communism at the "Gate of Freedom" memorial, dedicated to the heroes who lost their lives trying to overcome the "Iron Curtain" of the former Czechoslovakia.
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