Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati welcomed today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Heiko Maas, who is paying an official visit to Tirana.

The visit of Minister Maas coincides with the 31st anniversary of the signing of the Protocol on Economic Development Cooperation between the two countries. In this context, materials from the Archives Fund of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs were also exhibited.

Minister Bushati commended the precious and irreplaceable relationship that our country has with the FRG both bilaterally, regionally and multilaterally. He thanked Germany for the unconditional support of the German Federal Government in the difficult process of implementing reforms, for a democratic state, the rule of law and good governance, also reiterating the Albanian Government’s commitment for further progress.

Minister Bushati expressed gratitude for the attention of the FRG not only for Albania, but for the whole Western Balkans as well, which demonstrates the geopolitical and geostrategic significance of our region, especially in these turbulent times for the international order.

The German Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the courage and reforms undertaken by the Albanian government, oriented towards the European integration of the country, pointing out that Germany is ready to continue supporting Albania on this path.

Germany’s support and promotion of Albania’s European perspective is also motivated by its constructive role for stability in the Western Balkans. The EU and the Western Balkans need to stay together within a United Europe.

Speech by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati:

Greeting everyone!

Allow me to welcome here in Tirana, Albania, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, my colleague and friend Heiko Maas, with whom I had the opportunity to discuss the bilateral relations between our two countries. Before starting this communication with the media, we had the opportunity to visit the exhibition prepared by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs team, reflecting in general terms the dynamics of our relationship, also in the framework of the 31st anniversary of the signing of the Protocol on Economic Cooperation between our two countries. Also, allow me to publicly reiterate that for Albania the partnership relationship with Germany is precious and irreplaceable, both in the bilateral plan and on issues related to state-building reforms and democratic state consolidation, which have enabled our country to become a NATO member, a candidate country for the European Union, awaiting to start membership talks.
We are thankful for the partnership with Germany even in the most critical moments, as the reforms, especially in the area of rule of law. We agreed to project new ways of cooperation in this moment when Albania is preparing to start the challenging process of the European Union accession talks. We appreciate Germany’s unconditional support in this regard, as we are aware that the path towards the opening of membership talks and the EU accession process will not be easy for us. It will be demanding for us, continuously requiring concrete achievements. In this context, we discussed with Minister Maas all the reforms we have undertaken for the vetting process, which has provided some positive examples for the highest officials of the judiciary and the prosecution; as well as the challenges we are facing with regards to the consolidation of the fight against corruption and against organized crime, about Albania’s efforts in respecting international standards in the field of fundamental human rights and freedoms, with a special emphasis on the protection of national minorities.
We also discussed the recent developments in the region, given the fact that Minister Maas just came from a visit to Skopje. I had the opportunity to be in Skopje and Pristina last week and surely we share the view that a vote in favour in the referendum in Skopje would give great hope for all the efforts made to implement the Prespa agreement and for the NATO membership, whose doors are open for our neighbour.

We also discussed the security challenges we face here in our region, the role of different actors in the region and the need to get even more attention not only from Germany, which is known for its specific power and role in the European Union, projected also in Albania and in our region, but also from all EU member states, especially in these turbulent times, which is challenging the international order or the main pillars of the international order.I would like to thank him once again for this visit and for the fact that he has chosen a special day, a coincidence on a calendar that coincides with his birthday, to give me the chance to publicly wish him best wishes.
Thank you!

Speech by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Heiko Maas:

Thank you!

Thank you Ditmir for the warm welcome here in Tirana.
It has been six weeks since we met in Berlin last time, and this makes it obvious that Albania is for us a central partner in the Western Balkans for all the common challenges we have to face. These conversations show our appreciation and my appreciation in the vest of Minister of Foreign Affairs for your helpful role.
It is quite impressive for us to find out that the values of the European Union are expected and welcomed with enthusiasm by the young people of this country or the region. This would be the enthusiasm that we need within the European Union as well, which would certainly simplify one process or another.
Moreover, a decision was taken within the European Union last June, namely a guiding decision regarding the possible start of Albania’s membership talks in 2019. It is a decision that also gives credit to the undertaken reforms in recent years in Albania and I think that there must have been a really energetic and courageous political engagement to achieve what you accomplished. Not necessarily has it been simple, thus Albania must be very proud. However, as we know, European Union member states have also made it clear that June 2019 does not mean launching or opening of membership talks automatically. The criteria for this to happen are well-known and clear, hence there should be further reform outcomes in order to persuade those countries who are somehow sceptical of this process. It is primarily about the consolidation of the rule of law or the independence of the justice system. I am highly optimistic that we will move forward on this path and I must say that through the reform of the justice system, Albania has done a truly enormous step in this regard. The vetting of judges and prosecutors is a task or an achievement that will establish criteria beyond your country, i.e. across the region, and I think that it will certainly have an impact on the fight against organized crime and corruption, as well.
We will continue to support Albania in these reforms.

Dear Ditmir! You can continue to count on Germany for the remaining part of your undertaken path. We all know that the reforms process can be a painful, perhaps not a barrier-free path, but I am convinced that at the end of the day for all of us it will be worth making the most of the chances we are given to approach each other. The membership prospect is closer than ever. I hope to achieve it together!

Questions from journalists

“Süddeutsche Zeitung”: Question for Minister Bushati: The prospect of Albania’s membership is perceived with some scepticism by the German population, but also by the Bundestag. Do you expect more support from the Federal Government to move faster on this path precisely?
Question for Minister Maas: Mr Maassen, Chief of Internal Services in Germany, was dismissed. An explanation perhaps related to this fact?

Ditmir Bushati: I think that our relationship with Germany is fair and honest, and in this regard Germany’s support was also accompanied with the identification of critical issues that need to be addressed, generally related to the rule of law in the economy. In this context, I would like to underline the bilateral assistance from Germany through the GIZ. A great part of the Albanian legislation and institutional reform in vital sectors was achieved thanks to the support of German expertise, mainly allocated by GIZ, added to that of the European Union. Speaking of the political, economic and human resources, we have received German aid, which is indisputable and invaluable, especially in the European integration process. Surely the Bundestag is the place for very lively debates like in other parliaments around the world. It has critical and sceptical voices but it is an understandable scepticism because at the end of the day we are struggling against an image that continues to be not completely accurate. This is not only for Albania but for other Western Balkan countries as well. In this context, we will continue to work not only with the government and the Bundestag but also with the German foundations here, regardless of the links with different political subjects, with the German media, in order to improve as much as possible Albania’s image and to better communicate the process of reforms. Undoubtedly, we should not hesitate to accept a failure or lack of results. We are interested to keep this relationship honest and on the basis of a partnership where partners can understand each other even the hardships they have.

Heiko Maas: I would like to say a few words about this, too, because we have had a discussion about it in the federal government and the Bundestag on the European perspective of the Western Balkans. This perspective is not only realistic but also indispensable. I think that during the last months, just before the Council was to make the decision, we have committedly cooperated with all the EU member states precisely in favour of a positive membership perspective. On the one hand, we have certain requirements regarding the reform process, when referring to Albania and Macedonia. These countries deserved to have a credible perspective, i.e. membership in the European Union and I have consistently supported this.

Regarding Mr. Maassen’s case, this is an issue that I would not like to touch or answer it outside the country’s borders. A decision was already taken on this matter and I think we have made the right decision within the Federal Government, so that citizens in Germany could have the proper care according to the necessary parameters.
During all these days, we have also tried on the international scene to give our contribution so that people in need could get the necessary help in order for them not to suffer basic needs. This is a mission we do with all our energy; and despite the public perception, I think this is a fact of the Federal Government commitment. It is important that we commit ourselves to these tasks with proper and full commitment.

Question 2: First question for German minister: Germany seems to be clearly against a Kosovo – Serbia agreement that would include border correction while the European Union and the United States are somewhat more flexible. Why this position and what is your opinion on a deal that would satisfy the parties but also would not destabilize the Balkan region.
Question for Minister Bushati. Mr. Bushati, is the government dreading that in June next year, not all the steps that Albania has done on the integration process will be analysed and the famous sentence “There is lack of political dialogue” will pop up again? Is an agreement with the opposition being discussed because it seems that their position is very clear? Even though there is no official boycott in parliament, the opposition is not participating in plenary sessions and commissions. Will there be an agreement, as claimed by Prime Minister Rama, which would be offered to the opposition precisely to avoid this?

Minister Mass: Regarding the issue of border correction as mentioned here, in the past few weeks we have exchanged opinions with representatives of the countries of the region and it is often feared of exchange of territories, let’s say between Kosovo and Serbia. There is also fear of a domino effect. We have perceived the fear and this will certainly play a role in terms of the Federal Government’s position in this regard. Thus we are in some way sceptical and discreet on this point. This is an issue that should be clarified and a decision should be made but it should be clarified and resolved in such a way as not to cause additional problems other than those that already exist. If border correction will be part of this solution, we are sceptical and discreet, as I already said.

Minister Bushati: Yes, there is a proposition by the Prime Minister and the Albanian Government to the opposition on those issues that are considered common issues, pertaining to the European integration agenda, i.e on issues that political formations divide. There is an offer on the table to continue supporting, without any hesitation, the vetting process of the judiciary and prosecution officials. As you have reported in the media, even by various members of the German Budenstag, some numbers are required in the vetting process in order to conclude that the justice reform process has reached the irreversible stage. Likewise, there is a concrete offer on the table regarding the completion of the electoral reform, as Albania will have local elections next year. There is willingness and disposition also from different countries, including the role of the Federal Government, their Embassy in Tirana and the Political Foundations to support this process with expertise. Apart from the inalienable role of the ODIHR, as a Foreign Minister I wrote a letter some time ago to ODIHR, inviting them to be part of this bipartisan group that was set up in parliament, in order for all ODIHR recommendations to be adopted into laws or different normative acts.There is a firm proposition on the table for the opposition in terms of building a medium- and long-term strategy on the recovery from the problems of the justice system. I mean to give life to the Magistrates’ School, to bring new people to the judicial system. Yes, there is a complete availability on our part to discuss any issue that is considered of common interest. Dialogue and calls for co-operation will not be missed.

On the other hand, we are determined to continue with the reform process. The reform process is well-designed in the Council’s conclusions last June, for the continuation and consolidation of the achievements in judicial reform. The challenges we have in the fight against organized crime are not challenges faced only by the state police, our security institutions, or the law-enforcement institution because we cooperate with other regional partners, whom I already mentioned, due to the positive and constructive role Albania plays in the region and the cooperation with neighbours. All these issues are the package of measures that we working on a daily basis so that next June we will begin a more difficult process than this, accession negotiations. The screening process to be launched next week will be a good opportunity to keep the expert groups motivated and to be engaged with all the obligations that derive from the process of alignment of our legislation to that of the EU.

(DW): Last months you are supporting the idea of a united Europe and you have declared that Europe cannot be divided into regions, Europe is just one. Following this, Minister Maas, are there any instruments, mechanisms and policies for this attitude to be implemented in concrete endeavours, in addition to the enlargement strategy and the messages that you just gave in this conference?

Minister Maas: I am totally convinced that if Europe seeks to face the challenges and fulfil its interests over China, Russia or other countries, then we need a united Europe and this is what we are trying to do. This is not always easy. I think that issues such as immigration will have to be resolved as soon as possible, trying to ensure that all states take their responsibilities in managing this crisis in the fight against the causes of these emigration movements. This is why we need a fair solution. We want to cooperate, of course, with all our partners in Eastern Europe and across the EU. Germany has not been part of the initiative of the three seas the past but in the future we will participate in such a way to defend its interests even against its eastern neighbours. In this context, I am fully convinced that we should not allow Europe to be divided into first or second class regions. We need a united Europe and I believe we must engage in all political spheres in such a way such that it can properly cope with this challenge. This will be a priority of the Foreign Ministry the coming years as well.
Thank you!