Tirana, 20 November 2024

 

Honorable Mr. Secretary General,

Distinguished Ministers,

Excellencies,

 

It is both an honor and a privilege to address you today at the Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Central European Initiative here in Tirana. As we gather in this beautiful city with such nice weather (TBD), I am confident that our discussions will foster not only deeper understanding but also greater collaboration in shaping a shared, prosperous future for our region.

Allow me to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the CEI Secretariat and to Secretary General Mr. Roberto Antonione for their steadfast support throughout Albania’s Presidency. Your dedication has been invaluable in helping us navigate the responsibilities entrusted to us, and I am deeply appreciative of the cooperation extended by all CEI member states in fulfilling our obligations during this important tenure.

This year, Albania has had the privilege of assuming four significant regional Presidencies: the Central European Initiative (CEI), the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), the South-East Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP), and the Migration, Asylum, and Refugees Initiative. We successfully concluded our Presidency of BSEC in June, and through our work, we have reaffirmed our commitment to regional cooperation in all its forms. These Presidencies are not only a reflection of Albania’s leadership but also our unwavering belief in the power of collaboration to tackle shared challenges and seize new opportunities.

As we continue our work within the framework of the CEI, I would like to emphasize that our goals and priorities are firmly aligned with the core mandate of the Initiative. At the heart of our approach is a commitment to fostering good-neighborly relations, promoting inclusive regional cooperation, and ultimately advancing the vision of a peaceful, strong, stable, and united Europe. In this context, Albania remains steadfast in its support of Ukraine, particularly in light of the ongoing Russian aggression. We will continue to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its European aspirations.

Our regional vision extends beyond the current challenges. We are equally focused on exploring new avenues for growth, enhancing connectivity, and addressing emerging challenges that affect us all. We perceive the CEI not only as a valuable regional cooperation platform but also as a credible facilitator of the European integration process. The Initiative brings together EU member states and EU candidate countries, providing a unique space for political dialogue, exchange of best practices, and mutual support. During Albania’s Presidency, we have actively encouraged CEI members to make the most of these synergies, further strengthening our ties and fostering collaboration that benefits all.

One of Albania’s key priorities as CEI Chair has been to advance the European integration of the Western Balkans. As many of you are aware, Albania has made significant strides on its own path to EU membership. In October, Albania successfully opened Cluster 1 of EU accession negotiations, which covers fundamental issues and includes five important chapters. With this milestone, Albania joins Montenegro and Serbia as the third Western Balkan country to open negotiating chapters. We are committed to continuing this momentum and aim to open further chapters before the end of 2024 and into the next year.

We also warmly welcome the European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova, and we believe that these decisions send a strong signal of Europe’s commitment to its neighbors. Our collective support for the European integration of the Western Balkans remains a crucial element in ensuring the credibility of the enlargement process and maintaining popular support in the region. We must work together to prevent “enlargement fatigue” and ensure that the integration process remains on track and inclusive for all candidate countries.

The success of this process is fundamental to our region’s future stability and prosperity. It is essential that we continue to strengthen our cohesion as Central European countries and remain steadfast in our commitment to becoming an integral part of the larger European family. Initiatives such as the Growth Plan, which was supported during the Belgian and Hungarian Presidencies of the Council of the EU, along with the positive decisions on political files and support for economic convergence, mobility, and connectivity, have all contributed to making our countries stronger and more interconnected. These efforts will continue to serve as the foundation for further progress.

In the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges, Albania has also been a strong advocate for peace and stability. We strongly condemn the unprovoked and illegal Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine is an important member of the CEI, and we have worked alongside our partners to support Ukraine in its efforts to overcome the devastating consequences of this war. Albania’s Presidency has been actively engaged in promoting the commemoration of the two-year mark of the war, which was discussed at the first Meeting of the CEI National Coordinators in February 2024. We will continue to stand by Ukraine, offering support through the CEI Cooperation Fund and other initiatives aimed at alleviating the impact of this aggression.

Beyond the geopolitical landscape, our Presidency has focused on practical measures to strengthen regional cooperation. We have placed a particular emphasis on enhancing people-to-people contacts, fostering academic and professional exchanges, and promoting collaboration in sectors such as culture, tourism, transport, and the economy. A concrete example of this approach was our event in Vlora last week, which brought together experts and civil servants from CEI and SEECP member states to discuss sustainable cross-border connectivity and efficient logistics in the region. The outcome of this event demonstrates the importance of continued dialogue on connectivity, which is crucial for the transformation of the region into a modern, integrated, and competitive part of Europe.

Additionally, we have worked to advance parliamentary dialogue and regional cooperation through various well-established platforms, including the Meetings of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Parliamentary Conventions, National Coordinators, and other side-events. Strengthening these platforms is vital for maintaining momentum in the region’s European integration journey and ensuring the continued effectiveness of the CEI as a facilitator of regional cooperation.

In conclusion, Albania’s Presidency of the CEI has successfully completed all of its obligations, and I am proud of the significant achievements we have made during this period. Our success is a result of the collective efforts of all member states, and I would like to thank each of you for your collaboration and dedication. I also extend my best wishes to Serbia as it prepares to take on the next CEI Presidency. Albania will remain a proactive and engaged member of the CEI, committed to advancing the goals of the Initiative and contributing to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Europe.

 

Thank you for your attention.