The Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati, upon invitation of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta George W. Vella, attended the informal meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU, held in Gymnich Malta.

In the meeting were also invited the Foreign Ministers of the candidate countries. Talks focused on security challenges in Europe, recent developments in Macedonia, as well as on the fight against terrorism and the need for interaction with the candidate countries in this regard.

Minister Bushati expressed his continuous support and Albania's full alignment with EU policy in addressing common security challenges and highlighted the contribution and our country’s principled approach in facing these challenges.

Under the light of the escalating situation in Macedonia, Minister Bushati emphasized the need for an increased EU presence in the Western Balkans and for a cohesive attitude of member states on how to overcome democracy crisis in the region. “Such an approach would contribute to overcoming the tensions, caused by the resistance to reforms related to the rule of law. The rule of law cannot be sacrificed on the altar of stability”
 
“For the European Union to keep its influence and transformative role in the region, the need on supporting the consolidation reforms of the rule of law should be backed up with instruments that incentivize economic development”, underscored Minister Bushati.

“Also, security is inextricably linked with development. In order to respond to the complex challenges of security, we need to focus more on development, providing more opportunities for our youth and social inclusion”, stated Minister Bushati