During his visit to Sweden, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden, Margot Wallström.

Both ministers highlighted the excellent dynamics of bilateral relations. Furthermore, they paid special attention to Albania's EU integration process and shared the same view on the transformational impact of enlargement policy in Balkan countries. Minister Bushati praised Sweden's supportive role for the enlargement process in general and Albania's efforts in particular, with regard to this process. He informed his Swedish colleague on the steps and measures taken by the government in terms of the reform process and the fulfillment of the five key EU criteria, reaffirming the Albanian government's determination to "implement the justice reform and vetting process".

Minister Bushati expressed conviction that "2018 will be an important year in Albania's European integration process" through the decision of the member states to open accession negotiations.

Minister Wallström reiterated Sweden's support for Albania and commended government's efforts in the reform process. "You are on the right track and have our support," she stated.

Minister Bushati highly valued Sweden's support to Albania through the Swedish Development and Cooperation Strategy 2014-2020, with complementary projects to those of the EU in areas such as statistics, justice system reform, tax system, human rights, environment, etc., also underlining the importance of continuing this support for the period 2021-2027.