During his stay in New York in the framework of the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati held a meeting with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini.

Minister Bushati and HR/VP Mogherini exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and ways to boost cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans. Moreover, they focused on important achievements in the country, especially the fulfillment of key priorities for opening accession talks. She commended the efforts undertaken for the completion of the constitutional package with regard to the judicial reform, as proof of the firm political will to advance in this process.

Minister Bushati confirmed the determination of the Albanian government to continue with state-consolidating reforms, underlining that in this context, the unanimous adoption of the constitutional amendments on the judicial reform and the beginning of its implementation process constitutes a significant achievement in this regard and paves the way for the opening of accession talks.

Mogherini reiterated the EU support and commitment for this fundamental reform, whose implementation is crucial to Albania's European path. Focusing on regional developments, she commended the constructive and pro-active role of Albania and its full alignment with the EU in the field of foreign affairs and security policy.

At the meeting with Foreign Minister of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, ministers praised the excellent relations between Albania and Germany as well as the shared commitment to further them, following positive steps taken in recent years. Furthermore, they dwelt on the importance of advancing Albania's European agenda, latest developments in the region, security challenges and the European path of the Western Balkans.

Minister Steinmeier noted the special role that Albania plays in the region, and in this context, interlocutors highlighted the positive impact of the Berlin Process, which has brought about an enhanced cooperation between Western Balkan countries.

Minister Bushati informed his German counterpart on the latest developments in the country and determination of the Albanian government to finalize the legislative package of the judicial reform, as a key step for strengthening rule of law in the country and of direct impact on Albania’s advancement towards EU integration.

On his part, Minister Steinmeier underlined Germany's continued support with regard to state-consolidating reforms undertaken by the Albanian government, in view of the European path and rule of law in the country.