Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, is paying an official visit to Estonia, where he was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Sven Mikser.

Ministers discussed the cooperation between the two countries, the country's European integration process and cooperation in tackling security challenges.

Minister Bushati informed his colleague about the concrete steps in all reforms and fulfillment of key priorities for the opening of accession negotiations undertaken by the Albanian government. Minister Mikser, praising the progress made in the country, reaffirmed Estonia's support for the opening of Albania's accession negotiations with the EU as soon as possible, following the European Commission's recommendation. Minister Mikser offered Estonia's willingness to offer its concrete expertise in the negotiation process.

Ministers Bushati and Mikser shared the view on the importance of intensifying bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in terms of technology and innovative solutions, tourism, transport, pharmaceutical industries, etc.

Ministers discussed the situation in the region. Minister Mikser praised the constructive role of Albania in the Western Balkans region as a constant factor of stability and regional cooperation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia voiced his country's appreciation for Albania's security contribution in the framework of EU and NATO positions, referring to the country's alignment with the EU's common positions in the field of Foreign and Security Policy and to Albania’s contribution with troops in Latvia, as a NATO member.

During the visit to Estonia, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Academy of Diplomacy in the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Estonian School of Diplomacy.

Following, Minister Bushati held a meeting with members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on European Affairs, during which he informed the Estonian MPs about Albania's progress in the European integration process and expectations in this context. Estonian MPs praised the progress in addressing key priorities, and shared the view on the importance of Enlargement not only for developing aspirant countries but also for strengthening European security in general.