In the framework of the proceedings of NATO Ministerial in Brussels, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati held a meeting with the Dutch Foreign Minister, Hable Zijlstra. The Minister informed his Dutch counterpart on the reforms undertaken by the Albanian government to meet the five key priorities, particularly on the implementation of the justice reform and the vetting process. Minister Bushati said that Albanian government thinks Albania is already prepared to take the next step in the integration process. He stressed that the government considers opening of accession talks the beginning of a transformative process on the country's European path.

Minister Zijlstra highlighted that the perspective of the Western Balkans and Albania in the EU is indisputable. Drawing lessons from the previous enlargement experiments, which resulted hasty, especially with regard to meeting the criteria for strengthening the rule of law and good governance, the Netherlands wants to take measured but determined steps as regards further enlargement policy. He highly appreciated the close cooperation between the two countries, especially among the police, and encouraged Minister Bushati so that the government continues at the pace and dymanics of the reforms. The results in the fight against corruption and organized crime will encourage the opening of membership talks, he stressed.

Ministers also talked about strengthening economic and investment co-operation, given that the Netherlands is the second biggest investor in Albania. Minister Bushati discussed the government's stimulus packages to boost investment in the country. He also asked his Dutch counterpart to increase contacts between state structures and private economic operators.

“We need to cooperate more to improve the public perception of the countries of our region in western societies, including the Netherlands”,- Bushati underlined.