Tirana, July 29, 2024 – The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konakovic, in a meeting at the MEFA.

The two counterparts expressed the will of both sides for the further intensification of bilateral relations in areas of common interest.

“We are in a positive dynamic of the integration of our countries in the EU.  Regional economic integration, the improvement of communication and trade between us, as well as with the EU, play a special driving role and remain an important priority that brings clear and useful benefits for us and our citizens”, said Albanian chief diplomat Hasani.

For a more successful regional cooperation, Minister Hasani said that Kosovo should be looked at in a contemporary, realistic and pragmatic perspective.

“Time to reassess the position regarding Kosovo’s membership in regional initiatives.  To facilitate human-to-human exchanges between Bosnia and Kosovo”, he said.

Bosnia’s MFA Konakovic praised Albania’s support, as he underlined the importance of deepening regional cooperation for peace in the Western Balkans.

“It is quite important that in the Western Balkans, in all of Europe, we have calmness.  We must show that we are ready for an integration as fast as possible.  We are using all the opportunities that are being given to us in this direction”, said Minister Konakovic.

The visit of MFA, Elmedin Konakovic to Tirana, follows the previous visit of his former counterpart, Bisera Turković, on March 5, 2021.

Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina have good relations, as well as the political will to further strengthen them and increase high-level contacts. An inherent impetus for the development of cooperation is the Albanian community that lives in BiH, about 15,000 Albanians.