
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati received today in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs his counterpart from the Kingdom of the Netherlands Bert Koenders.
Ministers Bushati and Koenders discussed on the progress of bilateral relations and dynamism and possibilities to further strengthen them.
Minister Bushati praised the Netherlands’ dedication to the progress of reforms in our country and the interest of Dutch companies in Albania, which have ranked Dutch investments in second place last year.
The beginning of direct flights Tirana-Amsterdam on the 10th of May will serve even more to strengthen contacts between the two countries, stimulating at the same time Dutch businesses’ and tourists’ interest for Albania.
Underscoring the importance of advancing the European integration process, Minister Bushati expressed Albania’s determination to further progress in the implementation of the justice reform, primarily the Vetting process, as a reform which will serve first of all Albanian citizens, but also as a condition for the opening of negotiations for EU membership.
“I would like to thank my colleague Koenders for his clarity and the importance given to the consolidation of the European project in this corner of Europe. We shared the common view that sitting down in the accession negotiation table would take place once we see concrete results in the implementation of justice reform to start with full implementation and further progress in the Vetting process” - Minister Bushati underscored.
Praising Albanian Government’s progress and efforts made on implementing the reforms, Minister Koenders assured that the Netherlands will support Albania in its path towards the European Union.
During the press conference Minister Koenders said that: “The Netherlands has supported and will continue to further support Albania in its path. I would like to assess the progress made so far in this regard. Constitutional amendments that have been unanimously approved by the Albanian Parliament should now see the light of full implementation, since Albanian citizens want a justice reform to be put in practice".
Ministers also discussed on the latest developments and cooperation challenges in the region, as well as the need for EU's increased attention in order that integration into the EU shall continue to be a driving force for our societies towards a prosperous future