The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, took office after the swearing-in ceremony at the President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj.

The new Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani was received at the premises of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs by his predecessor, Olta Xhaçka, and the diplomatic staff.

Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku attended the hand over ceremony.

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, stated that the main priority of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs will continue to be the European integration process, as he emphasized that the Albanian Chairmanship of the OSCE and engagement in the Security Council have both significantly increased Albania’s role in the international fora.

“It is our responsibility to attract more investments to our nation, to support the quality advancements that this beautiful country has taken. I am convinced that working together we will develop the necessary modalities to advance even further down the road we have in front of us “, said Minister Hasani.

Deputy Prime Minister Balluku acknowledged the work done so far from former Minister Olta Xhaçka, as she wished success to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani in his new role.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Balluku, “I believe that thanks to the clear vision that Olta has carried out for a long time, elevating the level of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to another level and the strong desire I see in Igli to continue, only good works are waiting ahead and we will only mark other achievements in Albanian diplomacy.

Former Minister Olta Xhaçka commended the support and the dedication of the diplomatic corps, during these years which she defined as quite challenging but also highly fruitful for Albanian diplomacy.

“I am very proud how far the EU integration process has come and how close the goal of the Albanian people to return to Europe is getting, but I am especially proud of how steadfastly Kosova has been supported. Our ability to handle enormous obstacles has earned Albania an enviable reputation in the international community, according to former Minister Xhaçka.

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, has served as the Coordinator of the OSCE’s Economic and Environmental Dimension since November 2021.  Prior to this, he served as the Republic of Albania’s ambassador to international organizations in Vienna, where he oversaw the country’s OSCE mission from January 2018 to November 2021, during which time, Albania also held the OSCE Chairmanship.