Minister Hasani: “We are taking cooperation between Albania and the EU to another level”

Tirana, 8 April 2025 – On her first official visit to Tirana, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, Ms. Kaja Kallas, was welcomed by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Mr. Igli Hasani.

During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of important issues, starting from Albania’s journey to the EU, the joint commitment to the advancement of the Western Balkans towards a Euro-Atlantic future, the preservation of peace and democratic values ​​in Europe and around the world, etc.

Minister Hasani considered the meeting with Ms. Kallas as “A very good opportunity to exchange views and to highlight the successful and efficient cooperation between the EU and Albania in the field of foreign policy, security and defense”, while underlining that Albania maintains its unwavering commitment and is fully prepared to open the group chapters by 2025 and to close the accession negotiations by the end of 2027. “Our path is clear and unstoppable!”, said Minister Hasani.

Meanwhile, the first session of the Security and Defense Dialogue was launched at the MEFA premises, which comes within the framework of the Security and Defense Partnership, previously signed in December 2024, between Albania and the EU.

In his opening speech, Minister Hasani underlined that this partnership document has already paved the way for closer cooperation and dialogue on security and defense issues between Albania and the EU.

“Today we are moving from vision to concrete actions. For a country like Albania that is fully aligned and loyal to the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, this document is an expression of our shared commitment to work even more closely together in facing the complex challenges of the times we are living in. It also clearly reflects Albania’s progress on its path to EU integration and the evolving role we are taking in the collective security architecture in Europe.” – said Minister Hasani.

Among other things, Mr. Hasani stated that Albania supports any initiative that strengthens Europe’s capabilities to act independently and face global challenges, always in close coordination with our transatlantic partners.

“Albania has always seen itself as a stabilizing force in the region. We have consistently shown our commitment through actions, not just words, by actively participating in Common Security and Defense Policy missions and operations. We are proud to contribute to peace and security beyond our region.” – stated Minister Hasani.

Today’s Security and Defense Dialogue is the first in a series of upcoming sessions that will determine how Albania and the EU work together to address the challenges of our time, challenges that transcend borders and require collective solutions.