Sabin Drăgulin: Minister, you have extensive and solid experience in diplomacy. Your career is impressive. You have recently taken over the portfolio of Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. In your opinion, what makes Albania an important strategic partner for the European Union, both politically and economically?

H.E. FERIT HOXHA:

Thank you for your kind words and for highlighting my background in the foreign service. Being entrusted by Prime Minister Edi Rama with the responsibility of leading the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is, in many ways, the culmination of a diplomatic journey spanning more than three and a half decades. It is both a profound honor and an immense responsibility. Having had the privilege to serve Albania across different continents, international organizations and challenging moments, I approach this mission with humility, determination and a clear sense of purpose.

My foremost priority in this mandate is to contribute to accelerating Albania’s progress toward membership in the European Union. There is no undertaking more strategic, more transformative, or more unifying for our country today. EU accession is not merely a foreign policy objective; it is a comprehensive national project aimed at consolidating democracy, strengthening the rule of law, modernizing our economy and securing a better future for generations to come.

As to what makes Albania an indispensable and strategic partner for the European Union today, I would say the answer lies in our choices, our geography, and, above all, in our consistency.

Politically, Albania’s European orientation is not a matter of convenience, but a reconnection with our natural historical and cultural space of belonging. Even during periods when enlargement was no longer at the top of the European Union’s agenda, when the prospect of accession appeared distant and sometimes uncertain, our strategic objective never changed, our commitment never wavered, and our belief in our European future never faded. European integration has remained, and continues to be, our foremost national priority.

Joining the European Union is both a technical and a political exercise. It requires reforms, institutional transformation and alignment with the acquis, but at its core it is a matter of trust. Trust is earned through consistency, reliability and predictability. For decades now, Albania has maintained 100 percent alignment with the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. EU positions, sanctions and foreign policy decisions become our own, not out of obligation, but out of conviction. This consistency has demonstrated that Albania is not merely a beneficiary of European security, but an active contributor to it.

Albania participates actively in a number of EU-led missions and operations around the world, reflecting our commitment to peace, stability and international security. Most notably, during our tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2022–2023, Albania acted, in many respects, as the “third EU voice” around the table, working with responsibility, purpose and unwavering principles, in very close coordination with our European and transatlantic partners. Despite our size, we proved that we can punch above our weight and make a meaningful contribution to the defense of international law, multilateralism and the values that underpin the European project itself.

In an increasingly fragmented and uncertain world, where strategic ambiguity has become commonplace, Albania has made a clear and irreversible choice. Our European orientation is not transactional; it is existential. It is rooted in our history, inspired by our values and driven by our vision for the future. This is why we see ourselves not simply as a country aspiring to join the European Union, but as a future Member State already acting with the sense of responsibility, solidarity and commitment that membership entails.

Geopolitically, the strategic importance of enlargement has become increasingly evident. The European Union has rightly understood that enlargement is no longer only a policy of transformation, but also a geopolitical necessity. A stable, prosperous and fully integrated Western Balkans is indispensable to the security and competitiveness of Europe as a whole. Albania occupies a central place in this equation.

Our country has consistently been a factor of moderation, regional cooperation and constructive engagement. We maintain excellent relations with our neighbors and are deeply committed to fostering dialogue, reconciliation and connectivity across the Western Balkans. We believe that regional cooperation and European integration are mutually reinforcing processes. Stability in the Western Balkans translates into stability for Europe, and Albania has demonstrated its willingness to assume responsibilities that go beyond its size.

As a member of NATO, Albania also contributes to Euro-Atlantic security. We host strategic infrastructure, actively participate in allied missions and continue to invest in strengthening our defense capabilities. In an era marked by new security threats and heightened geopolitical competition, dependable allies matter more than ever. Albania has proven to be one of them.

Economically, Albania is undergoing a profound transformation. Through ambitious reforms and increasing integration with European markets, we are building a modern and competitive economy. We are investing heavily in infrastructure, connectivity, renewable energy, digitalization and sustainable tourism. We are creating the conditions for Albania to become an increasingly attractive destination for investment and an integral part of the European single market. Our economic convergence with the Union is already well underway.

Beyond these considerations, Albania brings something equally important to the European project: a deeply pro-European society. Support for EU membership among Albanians remains among the highest in Europe. There is a remarkable national consensus around our European future, transcending political affiliations and generational divides. This conviction gives our reforms resilience and legitimacy.

We often hear that Europe will enlarge when the time is right. From where we stand, Albania’s time is now. We have opened all the negotiating chapters at an unprecedented pace, delivering concrete reforms and tangible results. Now we are engaged into the next and last part of the excercice, closing chapters. We do not approach the European Union as a burden to be managed, but as a future member ready to contribute to a stronger, safer and more competitive Europe.

For Albania, joining the European Union is not simply about arriving somewhere. It is about returning home. And I firmly believe that Albania’s success will also be a success for Europe itself.

Sabin Drăgulin: Albania has a national project which, in my view, is fundamental for the continued modernization of the state in line with the model represented by Western European democracies: integration into the European Union. Do you believe that Romania can continue its role as a friend of the Albanian state and people? And if so, how?

H.E. FERIT HOXHA:

Thank you for framing the question around our most vital national project, European integration. To answer clearly, yes, absolutely. I am confident that Romania will continue to be a steadfast friend of Albania and its people, and equally confident that our partnership will grow even deeper as we advance together on this journey.

Our cooperation is built on a remarkably solid foundation. We cherish the excellent bilateral relations that unite our two countries. Over the years, Albania and Romania have consistently acted with a spirit of mutual understanding, trust and respect. Romania has been a vocal and reliable supporter of the European perspective of the Western Balkans, and we deeply value this principled and unwavering solidarity.

Beyond our regional ties, both Albania and Romania are dedicated NATO Allies. We share the same values, the same commitment to transatlantic security, and the same vision of a stable, united and prosperous Europe. In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, our strategic convergence and close coordination are more important than ever. Together, we understand that peace, stability and democratic resilience are not givens, but achievements that must be constantly nurtured and defended.

As we continue our ambitious reform agenda and navigate the demanding technical aspects of the accession process, we would be particularly pleased to benefit from Romania’s rich experience. Romania’s own path, from pre-accession reforms and institutional modernization to successful integration into the European Union and the Single Market, offers valuable lessons and inspiration. We see Romania not only as a friend, but also as a trusted partner whose experience can help us avoid pitfalls and accelerate our own preparations.

We look forward to intensifying our bilateral cooperation, especially at the technical, parliamentary and ministerial levels, so that we can draw upon Romania’s expertise and best practices. This partnership is already yielding concrete results, and we are convinced that it can become even more dynamic in areas such as infrastructure, connectivity, energy, digital transformation, education, tourism and people-to-people contacts.

The Albanian community in Romania and the historic Romanian support for Albanian culture and education are enduring reminders that the ties between our peoples are much older than contemporary politics. They reflect a tradition of friendship and solidarity that we deeply appreciate and wish to preserve.

Ultimately, Albania’s accession to the European Union is not only in Albania’s interest. It is in the interest of the European Union itself. It is through successive enlargement cycles that Europe became more united and more secure. We are fortunate to count on the support and friendship of countries like Romania, which understand from their own experience that enlargement is one of the European Union’s greatest success stories.

I am therefore fully convinced that Romania will remain a strong advocate of Albania’s European aspirations and that, together, we will continue to build a partnership that not only serves our two countries, but also contributes to a stronger, more cohesive and more resilient Europe.

Sabin Drăgulin: The Romanian state was the most important supporter of the Albanian people in achieving their own national state. History has both united us and separated us. Beyond the fact that we are both Balkan peoples, do you believe there are common cultural elements shared by both Romanians and Albanians?

H.E. FERIT HOXHA:

There is no doubt, the relationship between Romania and Albania is a remarkable example of how history, culture and shared values can create enduring bonds between nations and peoples.

Romania occupies a special place in the historical memory of Albanians. During the decisive years of the Albanian National Renaissance, Romania became a true intellectual and patriotic haven. It was in Bucharest that many of the leading figures of the Albanian national movement found the freedom and support needed to organize, publish, educate and advocate for the Albanian cause. This unique solidarity is immortalized in Albania’s National Anthem, whose lyrics were written in Bucharest by the poet Asdreni and set to the music of the distinguished Romanian composer Ciprian Porumbescu. Romania was also home to one of Albania’s greatest lyric poets, Lasgush Poradeci, whose literary formation bears witness to the deep cultural exchanges between our two nations.

The story of our friendship is equally reflected in the contribution of personalities of Albanian origin to Romanian statehood and culture. The illustrious Gjika (Ghica) family gave Romania statesmen and reformers of exceptional caliber, including Prime Minister Ion Ghica and Elena Ghica, better known as Dora d’Istria, one of the most prominent intellectuals and pioneering feminists of nineteenth-century Europe. In literature and the arts, figures such as Victor Eftimiu, one of Romania’s most celebrated playwrights and members of the Romanian Academy, and the great tenor Kristaq Antoniu, who also played an important role in the development of Albania’s operatic tradition, symbolize the richness of this common heritage.

Most importantly, Romania was among the first countries to recognize Albania’s independence and one of the places where the Albanian National Renaissance found its most fertile ground. Romanian society offered Albanian intellectuals, patriots and community leaders the freedom to establish cultural associations, publish newspapers and books in Albanian, and nurture the national idea at a pivotal moment in our history. The Albanian community in Romania became one of the strongest pillars of the independence movement and a bridge between our two peoples.

Beyond these historical milestones, Romanians and Albanians share important cultural affinities. Both peoples have preserved their language, traditions and national identity through centuries marked by profound political and geopolitical transformations. Both have demonstrated resilience, adaptability and a strong attachment to their European identity.

Today, our countries are united by a common European vocation. The values that define modern Europe, freedom, democracy, human dignity, cultural diversity, solidarity and the rule of law, are values that both our societies embrace and seek to strengthen. As NATO Allies and close European partners, our relationship has been shaped by a longstanding awareness of common interests, mutual respect and shared aspirations.

At the same time, our friendship is constantly renewed through people-to-people contacts, academic exchanges, economic cooperation and the contribution of our respective communities. Culture, perhaps more than anything else, continues to serve as a bridge between our societies, reminding us that the strongest partnerships are those rooted in mutual knowledge and genuine affection.

As Albania advances steadily on its path toward European Union membership, we look with admiration at Romania’s own successful European journey. Romania’s experience, achievements and voice within the European Union are of great importance to us. We are convinced that Romania will continue to be one of Albania’s strongest advocates and closest friends in the European family.

In this sense, the friendship between Romania and Albania represents both a cherished historical legacy and a modern strategic partnership. It is a relationship built not only on memories of the past, but also on confidence in the future—a future in which our two countries will continue to stand side by side as Allies, partners and friends, contributing together to a stronger, more united and more prosperous Europe.

Ultimately, the ties between Romania and Albania are much more than a traditional friendship. They are the expression of a shared destiny, shaped by common historical experiences, cultural affinities and an unwavering belief in our common European future.

Sabin Drăgulin: We live in a global world, where information reaches all citizens of the world in real time. Nevertheless, Bucharest is only a one-hour flight away from Tirana. Cultural diplomacy, as a fundamental component of soft power policy, plays an important role. What do you believe Albania’s cultural policies should be in order for the Romanian people to rediscover the Albanian people?

H.E. FERIT HOXHA:

As I mentioned earlier, the relationship between Albania and Romania rests on an exceptional historical and cultural foundation. From the decisive contribution of the Albanian community in Bucharest during our National Renaissance, to the remarkable personalities who helped bridge our two societies in literature, politics and the arts, our shared story is already rich, layered and well established.

For me, cultural diplomacy means transforming this historical legacy into a living, dynamic and contemporary relationship between people. Governments can sign agreements and institutions can establish frameworks of cooperation, but culture creates something deeper and more durable: trust and genuine human connection. It is often culture that opens doors which politics alone cannot, and it is culture that ensures that partnerships endure beyond political cycles.

The challenge today is therefore not merely to remember our shared past, but to actively discover each other in the present and, more importantly, to co-create a shared European future. Cultural diplomacy does not need to be nostalgic; it should be forward-looking, inclusive and innovative.

If Romanians are to rediscover Albania, I believe our cultural diplomacy should focus on presenting Albania as it is today: a European country in transformation, deeply rooted in its heritage, yet increasingly outward-looking, creative and modern. An Albania that is simultaneously ancient and contemporary, traditional and dynamic, local and European.

To achieve this, we must invest more systematically in cultural exchanges and institutional cooperation. This includes the translation and circulation of literature, joint film productions and festivals, artistic residencies, university partnerships, and strengthened cooperation between museums, archives and cultural institutions. Romanian audiences should have more opportunities to engage with Albanian writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects and contemporary artists, just as Albanian audiences should be further exposed to Romania’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.

Tourism, too, plays an increasingly important role in cultural diplomacy. Every visitor becomes, in a sense, an informal ambassador. In recent years, more and more Europeans have discovered Albania’s coastline, mountains, archaeological sites and UNESCO heritage. We would be particularly pleased to see an increasing number of Romanian visitors discovering not only our natural beauty, but also our hospitality, traditions, cuisine and everyday way of life—elements that often leave the deepest and most lasting impression.

At the same time, cultural diplomacy today is increasingly digital and intergenerational. Young people are no longer primarily shaped by traditional channels alone; they discover countries through cinema, music, social media, streaming platforms, gaming, educational content and creative industries. This is why we must also invest in modern, accessible and engaging forms of cultural promotion that speak to new generations and encourage direct, spontaneous and authentic interaction between our societies.

What makes me optimistic is that the distance between Albania and Romania is no longer defined by geography. Bucharest and Tirana are only a short flight apart, our economies are becoming increasingly interconnected, and our citizens travel, study and work across Europe more than ever before. In this sense, proximity is no longer physical, it is increasingly human, cultural and European.

For that reason, I do not see our task as simply helping Romanians discover an unknown country. Rather, it is about creating more opportunities for Romanians and Albanians to rediscover how much they already share, how naturally their histories intertwine, and how much more they can achieve together as European partners, Allies and friends.