“The Netherlands has openly supported the taking of the next step for Albania and the convening of the first intergovernmental conference.”
This was declared by the Prime Minister, Edi Rama in a joint press conference after the talks he had with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte who paid a visit to Tirana on Wednesday in the framework of a regional tour.
Speaking to the media Rama said that “we have talked about the moment we are in. We know very well that the Netherlands, France and Germany and all are absolutely ready to sit down as the European Union in the first intergovernmental conference with Albania and North Macedonia to formally start the long negotiation process, but the deadlock created by Bulgaria’s veto must be resolved.”
The head of government stressed that “I thank my friend Mark for his personal contribution in communicating with the Bulgarian side as well as others who are making every effort to bring Bulgaria’s position closer to a solution, maximally and possibly resolve this issue before The European Council will meet in December. ”
In the meantime Rutte said that Albania has made great progress in reforms regarding Albania’s integration into the EU. He said the time has come to be fair and move forward.
“You and I have built a friendship over the days, but it is better not to debate but to work together. I am glad that we have taken the first step towards the EU to start the conference. I will also visit North Macedonia, we must be rigorous and fair and you have made so much progress. We must formally start these negotiations to be fair,” said the Dutch premier.
In addition he said there must be something along the way we will move forward. “I am happy for the fact that the two countries are developing a deep connection in the field of exports. The Netherlands is the largest investor in Albania. These companies are working to do more business in these countries,“ PM Rutte said. / Argumentum.al
