Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, held today an official visit to Ireland and was received by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, Simon Coveney.

The discussion between the two ministers touched on a range of issues, including Albania’s progress in the EU accession process, intensification of bilateral relations, deepening of economic cooperation, visa liberalization and resent developments on Brexit. Minister Bushati expressed gratitude for Ireland’s support in the European accession process of our country and updated his counterpart on the measures taken by the Albanian government in addressing the 5 priorities, particularly justice reform and the vetting process.

Both ministers agreed on the necessity to intensify bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in various areas of common interest. Special attention was paid to the economic cooperation in the field of tourism, agro tourism and visa liberalization.

Minister Bushati said that strengthening of relations would encourage cooperation in all areas of tourism. Minister Coveney thanked his counterpart for the visit and reaffirmed Ireland’s strong and unconditional support for the opening of negotiations with the European Union.

During the visit, Minister Bushati also met with Mr. SeanO Fearghail, President of the Lower House of the Irish Parliament as well as with the Chairman of the Joint Committee on EU Affairs, Michael Healy-Rae and its members.

During the meetings, the parties expressed great appreciation and their support for Albania’s achievements in the European Union accession process. They also expressed readiness to further deepen parliamentary cooperation through the establishment of friendship groups and exchange of visits.

During the meetings, they discussed the possibility of visa liberalization and encouragement of free movement between the two countries, without barriers.