Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati, during his visit to Sweden, held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Margot Wallström.

Ministers discussed the excellent dynamics of bilateral relations. Both counterparts placed special attention to Albania’s EU integration process and shared the same view on the transformational impact of enlargement policy in the Balkan countries. Minister Bushati praised Sweden’s supportive role for the Enlargement process, in general, and for Albania’s efforts, in particular, in this process. He acquainted the Swedish colleague with the steps and measures taken by the Government in the reform process and the fulfillment of the five key EU criteria, confirming the Albanian government’s determination to “implement justice reform and vetting process”.

Minister Bushati expressed conviction that “2018 will be an important year in Albania’s European integration process” through the decision of the member states to open accession negotiations.

Minister Wallström confirmed Sweden’s support for Albania and praised the government’s efforts in the reform process. “You are on the right track and have our support,” the Swedish Minister said.

Minister Bushati praised Sweden’s support for Albania through the Swedish Development and Cooperation Strategy 2014-2020, with complementary projects to those of the EU in areas such as statistics, justice system reform, tax system, human rights, environment , etc., also underlining the importance of continuing such support for the period 2021-2027.