The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, reiterated Albania’s full support for Kosovo’s membership in regional and international organizations, as he underlined that regional integration in the EU remains the only way to guarantee peace and stability in the Western Balkans.

“Albanians must play a leading role in this effort for our common future. Albania and Kosovo should be at the heart of this effort. Kosovo’s membership in NATO is one of the priorities of the Albanian presidency of the US-Adriatic Charter throughout the year 2024. The full integration of the region in the EU is a necessity and the only way to guarantee once and for all the peace and stability of the Western Balkans and consequently Europe itself”, said the Albanian chief diplomat at the joint press conference with his counterpart Donika Gërvalla.

The Foreign Minister of Kosovo, Donika Gërvalla, stated that security in the north of Kosovo remains a challenge, while she expressed her gratitude to Albania for the role it is playing for Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe.

“The security situation in the north remains a challenge. We must be vigilant. With its position in the international arena, Albania will play a more proactive role in matters of security and peace in our region. We agreed on the exchange of young diplomats, the increase of cooperation and the realization of joint activity, the strengthening of public, economic, cultural and other diplomacy”, she said.

Minister Hasani’s visit to Kosovo is actually part of a tour to several countries in the region. After Kosovo, the Albanian chief diplomat will also visit North Macedonia and Montenegro.