Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati received today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden, Margot Wallström, in the framework of her visit to Albania. This is the first visit by a Swedish foreign minister since 2006, which comes after an increase of co-operation between the two countries over the recent years.

Ministers discussed the increasing dynamics of bilateral relations in all areas, giving priority to economic co-operation and opportunities for youth education and employment in various sectors. The continuity of Sweden's increasing contribution to Albania through development projects and assistance provided in various areas was highly appreciated.

Ministers paid special attention to Albania's EU integration process and agreed on the transformational impact of enlargement policy in Balkan countries. Minister Bushati briefed on the steps and measures taken by the Albanian Government and praised Sweden's supportive role in the enlargement process. He expressed gratitude for the continued contribution of the Swedish government to the transformation reform process in Albania and confirmed the determination of the Albanian government for further progress in implementing the justice reform.

Minister Wallström praised the government's efforts and stressed the importance of continuing the reforms, highlighting the implementation of the justice reform. She underscored that the implementation of the vetting law and political dialogue within institutions is closely related to the country's European integration performance. "We believe Albania's future is in the European Union," she added. In this context, she informed that on 29 May 2017, the Second Western Balkans Integration Conference will be held in Stockholm.

The ministers also discussed the recent situation and developments in the region. Minister Wallström praised Albania's role in the Western Balkans region as a factor for stability and regional co-operation, as well as confirming Sweden's strong support for the Enlargement Policy of the countries of the region.

At the end of the meeting, Minister Bushati, presented to his Swedish counterpart the history of relations between the two countries through an archival exhibition at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.