Foreign Affairs Minister Ditmir Bushati received on December 19th, 2016, the Minister of State for European Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Michael Roth.

Among the other issues discussed at the meeting were the support and attention of Germany on the path of European integration of the Western Balkans, the Berlin Process, developments in the region and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation focusing on the process of reforms for Albania's EU integration.

This visit comes at a very sensitive time for Albania, after receiving support and encouragement from member countries for the steady progress that the country has made in connection with the fulfillment of key priorities, which materialized this year in the European Commission's recommendation for opening the negotiations.

During the meeting, Minister Bushati valued the attention and constant German support for the European perspective of our region and for the integration of Albania into the EU, which in this time of challenge constitutes a security and stability factor.

In addition, focusing on concrete steps undertaken by the government in meeting the priorities of the membership, Minister Bushati confirmed the determination to further progress in the implementation of reforms related to five key priorities which, as he said, are essential not just for opening the negotiations but throughout the accession process.

Minister Roth, confirming the special attention that Germany pays at the integration process of the Western Balkans, praised Albania's role in the region and its complete unison with the EU positions in the field of foreign policy and security.

He also praised the determination and the reforms undertaken by Albania in consolidation of the rule of law, citing in this regard full implementation of the judicial reform as crucial to Albania's further advancement towards integration processes.

The two ministers exchanged views on the developments in the region and highlighted the positive impact of the Berlin Process, which has enabled an enhanced cooperation among regional countries.

Minister Bushati thanked Minister Roth for Germany's withdrawal of the reserve on Albania's application of the Hague Convention on abolishing the requirement of legalization for public documents, which is going to facilitate consular services to our citizens.