Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati welcomed today the Austrian Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, Karin Kneissl. The purpose of this visit was to express Austria’s support to Albania and the Western Balkan countries to their prospects for the European Union.

 

Minister Bushati expressed gratitude to his Austrian counterpart for the continued support that Austria has provided to Albania in the European path, both bilaterally and within the EU Presidency.

 

The European approach to the Western Balkans region was also discussed during this meeting. Minister Bushati reconfirmed the view that it is clear to our region as a whole that Europe is more important than conflicts. Moreover, he supported the Austrian proposal for a structured cooperation and the next Presidencies’ support in the pre-accession process.

 

The meeting also focused on enhancing bilateral co-operation and the justice reform. Minister Bushati emphasized the Government’s determination in this vital challenge for the Albanian society. He also asked for Austria to continue supporting our government’s efforts in reforming the justice system. Albania needs progress in this direction, in order to meet its EU aspiration but also to contribute in creating a safe and sustainable environment for investors and the development of tourism.

 

To conclude, the interlocutors welcomed the activities within the Joint Cultural Year 2018 between Albania and Austria, where the best values ​​and virtues of our early and modern cultural and artistic heritage were revealed.