Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati welcomed today the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, George Tsereteli and the Secretary General, Roberto Montella. The discussion focused on a range of issues related to security strengthening and cooperation among OSCE member states, parliamentary diplomacy, electoral reform in Albania, regional co-operation, etc.

The President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, George Tsereteli, and the Secretary General, Roberto Montella valued Albania’s role and contribution to peace, security and cooperation processes within the OSCE. OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Tsereteli acknowledged the engagement of the Albanian Parliamentary Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in addressing a number of issues the organization deals with, in favour of member states and its peoples. Mr. Tsereteli praised the deep reforms undertaken by Albania in the field of justice, economic development of the country, good governance, election reform, the fight against phenomena that hinder progress, corruption, etc.

He encouraged Albania to continue on this path that brings it closer to the EU, for which Albania will also have the support of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. All the political forces in Albania should engage at uttermost in promoting the country’s progress in achieving the objective of opening negotiations with the EU, as at the end of the day all this engagement goes on people’s favour, noted Mr. Tsereteli.

Mr. Tsereteli and Minister Bushati agreed that Albania’s cooperation with the OSCE Presence in our country has been fruitful. This cooperation will continue in supporting reforms in the country in accordance with the mandate of the Presence.

Minister Bushati pointed out the important role that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly plays in addressing the challenges this organization deals with such as issues of combating terrorism, violent extremism, and conflict resolution in and around Ukraine or elsewhere there are frozen conflicts, for which Albania has given and will continue to give its contribution. Through its OSCE parliamentary delegation, Albania has contributed and will continue to contribute to the preservation and strengthening of peace in the Balkan region, fostering regional cooperation through the participation and contribution of all countries in the region.

Referring to Albania’s EU membership process, Minister Bushati noted that Albania has already received an unconditional recommendation from the European Commission to open negotiations with the European Parliament based on the progress made and it is already awaiting the Council’s decision to formalize it. The OSCE can provide its expertise in those areas Albania will negotiate with the European Union, which also relate to the priorities of this organization, noted Minister Bushati.