The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, is paying an official visit to Budapest, where he was first received by Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Orbán.

Focusing on Albania’s European integration path, Hoxha expressed his appreciation for Hungary’s strong support, as well as for its role as an important voice for the Western Balkans within the EU, including through the Friends of the Western Balkans Group.

“There is something particularly valuable about discussing enlargement with countries that have gone through this process themselves. They know what it takes, but they also know what it delivers. Albania has now entered the most decisive phase of its EU accession negotiations. Our ambition, as already reflected in the Commission’s roadmap, is clear: to do the work, advance reforms and conclude the technical part of the negotiations by the end of 2027. As we move forward through this demanding phase, we are pleased to count on Hungary’s continued support,” Minister Hoxha stated.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening the economic dimension of the excellent relations between the two countries.

“We agreed that the next challenge is to give these relations even greater economic and human substance: more trade and investment, stronger energy connections, more tourism and deeper cooperation in education and culture. Hungarian businesses already have a significant presence in Albania, but there is considerable potential to do more,” Minister Hoxha said.

Today, the Minister added, it is our responsibility to create more concrete opportunities for our citizens and businesses.

Hoxha and Orbán also exchanged views on regional and European security.

Energy security and the importance of NATO Alliance unity at a time when Europe is facing profound geopolitical challenges were also high on the agenda of the meeting.