OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Desir, launched today a two-day official visit to Albania. In the first meeting on this visit, Desir met the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati.

The two interlocutors shared the same view that there is no democratic society without freedom of speech and free media. Desir welcomed Albania’s progress in the field of freedom of expression and media. Minister Bushati said that Albania is committed to strengthening and improving the legal framework, as well as preserve the professional values ​​of journalism, maintain this standard of democratic development in the country and bring it closer to European integration processes.

For the preservation and free development of free media, virtual media, professional engagement, improvement of the legal framework, etc., it is expected to be held in Ohrid, Macedonia, in May 2018, the 5th Conference of Southeastern Europe with high-level representatives, in order to respond to the main challenges that the media and journalism face today. Minister Bushati welcomed this initiative and confirmed Albania’s commitment and contribution.