The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, chaired the session of the OSCE Ministerial Council held in Sweden, in the capacity of the leading troika of this organization for the years 2019-2021.
Minister Xhaçka described the 'Open Balkans' initiative as an effective tool to combat the growing insecurity and instability in the OSCE area.
According to her, co-operation and dialogue are the only way to end conflicts and pave the way for negotiations.
"Dialogue is never easy. Especially in a climate of significant polarization in international and domestic politics. But I staunchly believe that dialogue is the only way. It is this belief and commitment to the value of dialogue that underpins Albania’s foreign policy. That is the reason why in our region we have embarked on an unparalleled action, the Open Balkans Initiative, which in essence, is an effort to expedite the Berlin Process. Of course, there are unresolved issues between and among many of the people and countries in our region. But we believe that by talking, by cooperating, by showing our people and our communities how they stand to profit from cooperation, instead of conflict, we will create an imperative for peace and stability and working together. “said Minister Xhaçka in her speech.
Further, Minister Xhaçka valued the role of the OSCE in the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, as one of the main priorities of Albania in the UN, and congratulated the Swedish Presidency for its commitment to this agenda.