Statement by the Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Ms. Megi Fino at the Special reinforced meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council
24 February 2025, Vienna
Thank you, Mr. Chair,
Distinguished colleagues,
Three years ago, under false pretenses, Russia chose to launch a full-scale and bloody war against its peaceful neighbor, Ukraine – an act that violates the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the founding OSCE principles and commitments.
This aggression attacks not only Ukraine, but also the very security of Europe, which Albania condemns unequivocally.
Throughout the past three years, we have witnessed how Russia’s war has inflicted immense suffering while the people of Ukraine have shown remarkable courage in their fight for freedom, dignity and life.
This tragic war has had dramatic repercussions also for the OSCE, across all three dimensions. For eight years, we, the participating States, invested in the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, to establish the facts. Russia regretfully has dismissed the established facts in favor of its own fabrications. Now, Russia is even illegally detaining three SMM staff members and we call for their release without delay.
We remain steadfast in our commitment – throughout the OSCE, the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and all other international mechanisms – to ensure accountability and justice for Russia’s crimes in Ukraine and to prevent future atrocities. We cannot, must not, and will not escape this international responsibility.
Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues,
Albania’s steadfast support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine was reaffirmed during the visit of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Mr. Igli Hasani, to Kyiv in January.
Albania and Ukraine exchanged the ratification instruments of the Agreement of Friendship and Cooperation and signed a memorandum of understanding focused on collaboration in European integration. These steps represent important progress in strengthening the relations between our countries and reaffirm our commitment to a robust and enduring partnership.
Moreover, the Albanian Embassy in Kyiv – inaugurated during the visit and having been damaged by recent Russian missile attacks – stands not only as a bridge for long-term collaboration between our two countries, but also as a testament to our resilience and shared commitment to a future of peace, progress, and a united, strong, and prosperous Europe.
The bond between Albania and Ukraine was further strengthened by the agreement on long-term cooperation and support signed by Prime Minister Rama and President Zelenskyy at the end of January in Davos.
The international community must continue to provide robust political, diplomatic, and humanitarian support to Ukraine, and we are fully committed to doing our part in this crucial mission.
This aggression has not only devastated Ukraine but has far reaching consequences. As history has taught us, even the most brutal conflicts can end if there is genuine dialogue and a commitment to peace.
While there have been many proposals and initiatives to end the war, we believe that recent efforts and engagement will provide the right impetus for achieving a just solution that will bring a durable peace for the region and Europe as a whole.
And peace must be just, lasting and comprehensive, in line with international law. Ukraine’s future must be defined by its independence and sovereignty, free to choose its own path without fear of further aggression.
The OSCE remains, of course, a vital ally in this journey.
Finally, having witnessed the deep scars of war in the Western Balkans, we understand the hard-won path to peace and healing.
Nations will remember, for generations to come, where each one of us stood at this defining crossroads of history.
Today, at this defining crossroads, Albania and the Albanian people stand resolutely with Ukraine in its pursuit of lasting security and the freedom to determine its own future.
