“We have done our homework. Things are moving in the right direction, even in the fight against corruption and organized crime.”
With these words Foreign Minister Olta Xhaçka welcomed on Thursday evening the German Foreign Minister, Michael Roth, who is paying a two-day visit to Albania coming after his visit to Albania’s neighbor North Macedonia on Wednesday.
The talks held in Skopje appeared to show Germany’s firm position not to decouple the European paths of the two countries.
Germany has reiterated full support for the first intergovernmental conference to be held between the EU and the Western European countries within a month from now.
Minister Xhacka underlined that Minister Roth’s visit is another clear signal of Germany’s commitment to supporting the integration processes in the Western Balkans.
“If you look at how much work has been done since the Council of March 2020 decision, despite the fact that the last 15 months have been among the most difficult in our history, you understand how committed and responsible we are to the integration process,” she said being on the same wavelength with PM Edi Rama who told the German top diplomat it is EU’s part to act.
Minister Roth reiterated Germany’s position in support of holding the first Intergovernmental Conferences with Albania and Northern Macedonia within the Portuguese EU Presidency.
He confirmed that Germany, along with other EU partner countries, is strongly committed to resolving as soon as possible all existing disputes between Northern Macedonia and Bulgaria to achieve the set goal.
“Let’s Start Accession Talks with N. Macedonia and Albania So That We Don’t Regret Later,” said German Minister
Albanian authorities have avoided to mention the case of North Macedonia which seems they are eager for a rapid adoption of the Negotiating Framework and the holding of the first Intergovernmental Conference of the EU with Albania. / /argumentum.al
